What Is Kikuyu Grass?
Kikuyu is a vigorous, spreading grass used for lawns and, where appropriate, grazing. Dawn Farmers’ Simlaw product listing describes it as attractive, quick to establish and suitable for both uses. Its spreading growth can help fill gaps, but lawn edges need regular attention to keep the grass out of flower beds.
Kikuyu is best considered for areas with good sunlight. If much of your garden stays shaded, compare other grass options before buying seed.
Is Kikuyu Grass Suitable for Your Lawn?
Assess your site before choosing a lawn grass:
- Sunlight: Choose an area that receives plenty of direct sun.
- Water: Plan how you will keep the seedbed moist during germination and early growth.
- Drainage: Correct places where water collects after rain or irrigation.
- Maintenance: Allow time for mowing, edging, watering and occasional feeding.
- Foot traffic: Keep people and animals off newly planted areas until the grass is well established.
Results vary with soil, weather, shade, seed condition and lawn care. A grass that performs well in one part of Kenya may need different management in another.
How Much Simlaw Kikuyu Grass Seed Do You Need?
The Dawn Farmers Kikuyu grass product page lists 100 g, 250 g, 500 g and 1 kg pack sizes. Confirm current pack availability before ordering.
The promotional poster supplied for this product states a broadcast rate of 3–4 kg per acre. Check the instructions on the current Simlaw pack before using that figure for your lawn. Seed rates can differ by product and establishment method.
To plan your purchase, measure only the area you intend to seed. Exclude buildings, paths and planting beds. For a larger landscaping project, contact Dawn Farmers with your measured area and ask for a calculation based on the current pack instructions.
How to Plant Kikuyu Grass Seed
1. Clear and prepare the site
Remove weeds, stones, old vegetation and building debris. Loosen compacted topsoil, break up large clods and rake the ground level. Fill low spots where water might collect.
2. Check the soil
A soil test can help identify nutrient or pH problems before you buy fertiliser. If you use compost, choose mature, clean material and mix it evenly into the topsoil.
3. Sow the seed evenly
Follow the sowing rate on the current Simlaw package. Divide the measured seed into two portions. Spread one portion along the area and the second across it to improve coverage. Rake lightly to bring the seed into contact with the soil; do not bury it deeply.
4. Water gently
Water after sowing without washing the seed into piles. Keep the upper layer of soil moist during germination, but avoid waterlogging. Check the seedbed frequently, especially during hot or windy weather.
5. Protect the young lawn
Limit foot traffic while seedlings establish. If bare patches appear, check for shade, uneven watering, poor seed-to-soil contact or seed washed away by rain. Address the cause before reseeding.
When Should You Plant Kikuyu Grass in Kenya?
Choose a period when the grass can grow and you can maintain dependable moisture. Planting at the start of reliable rains may reduce the need for irrigation. Where irrigation is available, you have more flexibility. Avoid sowing immediately before heavy rain that could wash seed away.
How to Maintain a Kikuyu Lawn
Watering
Keep newly planted grass adequately moist. As its roots develop, gradually move away from frequent light watering and water more deeply when needed. Adjust your approach to rainfall, soil type and the condition of the lawn.
Mowing
Wait until the new grass is firmly rooted before its first mow. Use a sharp mower and avoid removing too much leaf in one cut. Continue mowing regularly as the lawn develops.
Feeding
Choose fertiliser according to soil condition and grass growth. More fertiliser is not always better. Follow the product label and avoid applying concentrated fertiliser to stressed young grass.
Weeds and edging
Remove weeds while they are small. Trim lawn edges to prevent vigorous Kikuyu growth from spreading into neighbouring beds. Before applying a herbicide, confirm that its label permits use on the lawn grass and target weed. Non-selective herbicides can damage the grass you want to keep.
Kikuyu Grass or Bermuda Grass?
Kikuyu may suit a sunny site where vigorous cover and regular mowing are welcome. Dawn Farmers also lists Simlaw Bermuda grass seed as another lawn option. Compare the products’ current labels and your site conditions before deciding.
Where to Buy Kikuyu Grass Seeds in Nairobi
Contact Dawn Farmers Ltd to confirm the current price, your preferred pack size and delivery options.
Call or WhatsApp:
0724 367 713 or
0713 064 228
Location: Mang Building, Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi
Website: dawnfarmers.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kikuyu grass be grown from seed?
Yes. Simlaw Kikuyu grass is sold as seed. Prepare a fine seedbed, follow the current pack instructions and maintain moisture during establishment.
Is Kikuyu grass suitable for a shaded lawn?
It generally performs better with good sunlight. Assess heavily shaded areas separately before choosing grass seed.
What pack sizes does Dawn Farmers list?
The Kikuyu product page lists 100 g, 250 g, 500 g and 1 kg packs. Contact Dawn Farmers to confirm current availability.
How long does Kikuyu grass take to establish?
There is no single reliable deadline. Germination and lawn coverage depend on seed condition, temperature, moisture, soil preparation and ongoing care.
Can Simlaw Kikuyu grass be used for grazing?
Dawn Farmers’ product listing describes it as suitable for lawns and grazing. For pasture establishment, request advice specific to grazing management and the seed rate on the current pack.
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