Choosing the right fertilizer for St Augustine and Bermuda grasses helps establish a lush, resilient lawn. The following products are widely used by American homeowners and professionals to support healthy growth, seasonal color, and weed control. This guide highlights five top options, comparing formulation, application, and suitability for common warm-season grasses. Each product’s listed features are summarized to help you decide which mix best fits your yard’s needs and regional conditions.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Plant Magic | Organic Plant Magic | Alive with GroBiotics and safe for kids, pets, and the environment |
| Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed | ferti-lome | Pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control with 15-0-4 fertilizer |
| Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 | Generic | Easy to spread; supports all St. Augustine grasses |
| SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 | Lesco | Includes iron for greening and 12,000 sq ft coverage |
| LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Weed & Feed | LESCO | Slow-release formula designed for Floratam and other St. Augustine varieties |
Introduction overview: The lawn market includes blends crafted for warm-season grasses, emphasizing slow-release nitrogen, iron for color, and weed control. For St Augustine and Bermuda lawns, timing and regional climate play critical roles. The products below span organic and synthetic options, with varying nutrient profiles (e.g., 15-0-4, 20-0-6, 24-2-11, and 13-0-17 equivalents) to support early-season growth, drought resilience, and robust recovery after heat stress. When selecting, consider factors such as grass type, weed pressure, pet safety, and whether you prefer organic inputs or conventional slow-release fertilizers.
Organic Plant Magic Truly Organic Slow Release Granular Lawn Fertilizer
Brand: Organic Plant Magic
What it is: A truly organic, slow-release granular lawn fertilizer designed for Bermuda, St. Augustine, and general yard care. The product emphasizes GroBiotics—amino acids, humic acids, and beneficial biology—to support soil health and durable turf. It is marketed as safe for children, pets, and the environment, aligning with organic gardening principles.
Key features:
– Truly Organic formulation with GroBiotics for enhanced soil biology
– Safe for kids, pets, and the environment due to non-toxic ingredients
– All-purpose use for lawn maintenance, repair, seed starting, and sod installation
– Regional versatility across seasons and grass types
Application notes: This product is described as a broad-spectrum lawn food suitable for multiple warm-season grasses. Its organic profile may appeal to homeowners seeking organic inputs, though users should follow application guidelines to avoid over-fertilization and to ensure even coverage. Expect slow, steady nutrient release that supports root development and steady color without rapid growth spurts.
Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4
Brand: ferti-lome
What it is: A combined weed control and fertilizer product designed for St. Augustine and other warm-season grasses. The formula blends a 15-0-4 profile with both pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control benefits, making it suitable for lawn maintenance and weed suppression.
Key features:
– Combines weed control with fertilization in a single product
– Suitable for Centipede, Zoysia, and St. Augustine lawns
– Not recommended for Bermuda or other Northern grasses
Application notes: Best applied as part of a seasonal weed management program. It targets broadleaf and grassy weeds in St. Augustine lawns while providing a steady nutrient supply. Always follow label directions for timing and application rates, especially in soft-leaf or recently seeded areas.
Sunniland Weed & Feed 20-0-6 Lawn Fertilizer
Brand: Generic
What it is: A weed-and-feed product designed for St. Augustine lawns, providing a 20-0-6 nutrient mix and weed control in one step. The packaging suggests easy spreading and compatibility with all St. Augustine grass types.
Key features:
– Easy to spread granules for simple application
– Two seasonal applications in spring and fall
– Broad compatibility with St. Augustine varieties
Application notes: This product is aimed at simplifying lawn care by combining weed suppression with fertilization. For best results, adhere to recommended application windows and ensure even coverage to minimize burn risk. Avoid applying during extreme heat or drought conditions unless specifically instructed on the label.
SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 Fertilizer
Brand: Lesco
What it is: A granular fertilizer with 24-2-11 NPK, designed to support St Augustine lawns with iron for greening and substantial coverage (12,000 sq ft).
Key features:
– Includes 6% iron for excellent greening
– Large coverage area suitable for medium to large lawns
– Specifically formulated for St Augustine lawns
Application notes: Iron-enriched formulas help stabilize color, while the balanced NPK ratio supports steady growth. Apply according to label rates and water in after application to activate nutrients. Avoid over-application to prevent thatch buildup or leaf burn.
LESCO 50 lb. St. Augustine Weed & Feed
Brand: LESCO
What it is: A large-format weed-and-feed product designed for St. Augustine turf, featuring a 13-0-17 profile alongside a 30% poly-coated sulfur-coated urea for slow release. It’s advertised as safe for Floratam and other commonly planted St. Augustine varieties, with a recommendedWet application protocol and a two-week result horizon.
Key features:
– Slow-release formula for up to 8 weeks of feeding
– Specifically designed for Floratam and related St. Augustine grasses
– Poly-coated sulfur-coated urea enhances nutrient delivery
Application notes: Apply when the turf is wet, then allow to dry before mowing. This product’s slow-release design minimizes nutrient flush and reduces the risk of burn while providing extended feeding. Follow label directions for maximum coverage and safety considerations for pets and children.
Emerald 10-0-20 Lawn Fertilizer
Brand: Lawn Synergy
What it is: A 10-0-20 slow-release fertilizer with AccuBlu technology and micronutrients including iron. It’s designed to deliver a deep green color with minimal top growth, targeting a balanced nutrient profile for warm-season grasses like St Augustine and Zoysia.
Key features:
– 45% slow-release nitrogen with AccuBlu technology
– Iron and Nutrace micronutrients for rich color
– Potassium-rich 10-0-20 formula enhances drought tolerance and disease resistance
Application notes: This product emphasizes a vivid color without excessive growth. Ideal for lawn recovery after heat stress or drought, but follow label directions for rate and timing. It pairs well with regular irrigation to optimize nutrient uptake.
GS Plant Foods Green Envy Liquid Lawn Fertilizer
Brand: GS Plant Foods
What it is: A liquid lawn fertilizer concentrate designed to boost nutrient uptake with humic acid and a broad spectrum of beneficial nutrients. It works with all grass types and supports heat and drought resilience.
Key features:
– Liquid formula for rapid uptake
– Organic humic acids aid root development and immunity
– Compatible with all lawn fertilizers and grass types
Application notes: Liquid applications can be more forgiving with timing. Use according to label directions, typically requiring dilution and even spraying for uniform coverage. Store away from extreme temperatures and apply during favorable weather windows for best results.
Down To Earth Organic Bio-Turf Lawn Fertilizer Mix 8-3-5
Brand: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers
What it is: An OMRI-listed organic fertilizer mix with an 8-3-5 NPK ratio, designed to encourage deep root development and drought resistance. The product emphasizes natural ingredients and soil health with potassium supporting seasonal stress tolerance.
Key features:
– OMRI-listed for organic production
– Encourages deep root growth and drought resilience
– Natural nitrogen-rich formula with balanced NPK
Application notes: Use as part of an organic lawn care plan. Water thoroughly after application to initiate nutrient release and support soil microbial activity. Observe label instructions for optimal timing, particularly for new sod or recently seeded areas.
Buying Guide
When selecting a fertilizer for St Augustine and Bermuda lawns, consider these factors to optimize lawn health and weed control without unnecessary risk:
- NPK balance: Warm-season grasses typically benefit from balanced or nitrogen-heavy blends during growth periods. Look for products labeled for St Augustine or Bermuda, or formulated for warm-season turf.
- Release type: Slow-release or stabilized nitrogen reduces the risk of rapid growth spurts, thatch buildup, and nutrient runoff. Organic inputs tend to release more gradually, while synthetic blends can deliver faster results with careful timing.
- Iron content: Iron supplements promote a deep green color but can cause staining if misapplied or over-applied. Iron-enriched blends may be advantageous in spring and early summer for color and stress resistance.
- Weed control: Weed-and-feed formulations combine fertilizer with herbicides. Ensure compatibility with your grass type and local regulations, and avoid products not suitable for Bermuda or St Augustine where specified.
- Safety and environment: Organic options are appealing for pet-friendly homes, but always follow label instructions. Consider whether the product is OMRI-listed if you prefer organic inputs.
- Application timing: For warm-season grasses, timing around spring green-up and post-dormancy recovery is crucial. Avoid fertilizer during extreme heat or drought without label guidance.
- Coverage area: Match product coverage to lawn size to minimize waste and ensure even distribution. Large bags often suit bigger yards, while smaller bags offer flexibility for smaller lawns.
Additional notes:
Always read the product label for specific application rates, mowing restrictions, and watering instructions. If you are managing weed pressures or feeding a lawn with sensitive soil conditions, you may want to test a small area first or consult a local extension service for regional recommendations.