7 Best Fertilizers for St Augustine Grass in 2026 (Spring Growth)

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Thoms
Written By Thomas James

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Many buyers rush into the market for the Best Spring Fertilizers for St Augustine Grass, only to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. But the truth is, not all fertilizers are created equal. Some are tailored to specific grass types, while others provide a one-size-fits-all solution. What sets the truly great ones apart from the rest? That's what we're here to explore, highlighting the top picks for St. Augustine Grass. Whether you're a seasoned landscaper or a DIY enthusiast, finding the right fertilizer can make all the difference in your lawn's health and appearance. Spring growth is the perfect time to get started, and with the right fertilizer, you'll be enjoying a lush, green lawn in no time.

Key Takeaways

  • When shopping for fertilizers for St. Augustine Grass, look for products that are specifically designed for your grass type.
  • A slow-release nitrogen formula can help promote healthy growth and reduce the need for frequent applications.
  • Don't be afraid to opt for a liquid fertilizer – they can provide quick results and are often easier to apply than granular options.
  • Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully, as some fertilizers may require multiple applications or have specific application windows.
  • A balanced NPK ratio is essential for promoting healthy growth, so be sure to choose a product with a well-rounded formula.

Our Top Best Spring Fertilizers For St Augustine Grass Picks

All-in-One St. Augustine Solution Sunniland St. Augustine Weed & Feed Sunniland St. Augustine Weed & Feed Easy to spread granules Convenient 2-application schedule Suitable for all St. Augustine grass types View on Amazon Read Review
Complete Lawn Liquid Fertilizer Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK Lawn Food Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK Lawn Food Complete NPK lawn food Contains high-quality feed-grade ingredients Easy to use and apply View on Amazon Read Review
Slow Release Nitrogen Granular Sunniland St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer 20-0-6 Sunniland St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer 20-0-6 Slow release nitrogen granular Phosphorus-free Easy to apply and spread View on Amazon Read Review
Fast-Absorbing Liquid Formula St Augustine Grass Fertilizer Liquid Lawn Food St Augustine Grass Fertilizer Liquid Lawn Food Fast-absorbing liquid formula Easy to mix and feed Promotes rich green color and thicker growth View on Amazon Read Review
Iron-Rich Fertilizer SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 Fertilizer SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 Fertilizer Iron-rich fertilizer Concentrated formula Easy to apply and spread View on Amazon Read Review
All-In-One Lawn Fertilizer Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food All-in-one lawn fertilizer Pesticide-free Promotes healthy growth and strengthens grass View on Amazon Read Review
Dual-Action Fertilizer Scotts Liquid Green Max Lawn Food Scotts Liquid Green Max Lawn Food Dual-action fertilizer Easy to apply Promotes greening and growth View on Amazon Read Review

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Sunniland St. Augustine Weed & Feed

    Sunniland St. Augustine Weed & Feed

    All-in-One St. Augustine Solution

    View on Amazon

    For homeowners with large St. Augustine lawns, Sunniland's Weed & Feed is a convenient and effective solution. Its 2 applications in the spring and fall make it easy to maintain a healthy lawn. This product is also great for those who want a hassle-free experience, as it's easy to spread and handle.

    One of the standout strengths of this product is its ability to provide balanced nutrition to St. Augustine grass. The 2 applications in the spring and fall ensure that your lawn receives the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Additionally, this product is easy to use and requires minimal effort.

    However, one limitation of this product is that it may not be suitable for small lawns, as each application covers 5000 sq ft. This means that homeowners with smaller lawns may need to purchase multiple bags or apply the fertilizer more frequently.

    • Lawn Type:St. Augustine
    • Fertilizer Type:Weed & Feed
    • Weight/Capacity:5000 sq ft per application
    • Release Type:N/A
    • NPK Ratio:N/A
    • Brand:Sunniland
    • Additional Feature:Covers up to 5000 sq ft per application
    • Additional Feature:Easy to handle and spread
    • Additional Feature:Suitable for all types of St. Augustine grass
  2. Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK Lawn Food

    Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK Lawn Food

    Complete Lawn Liquid Fertilizer

    View on Amazon

    For homeowners who want a complete lawn liquid fertilizer that provides balanced nutrition to their grass, Advanced 16-4-8 is an excellent choice. This product is designed to be easily applied and contains high-quality feed-grade ingredients that nourish your lawn. Additionally, it's produced in the United States by a family-owned business with 25 years of experience in the commercial professional turf industry.

    One of the standout strengths of this product is its ability to provide a balanced NPK ratio, which is essential for healthy grass growth. The 16-4-8 formula is designed to promote vigorous growth and encourage the development of a dense, attractive lawn.

    However, one limitation of this product is that it may require more frequent applications than some other products on the market. This means that homeowners may need to purchase multiple bottles and apply the fertilizer regularly to maintain optimal results.

    • Lawn Type:All grass types
    • Fertilizer Type:Liquid
    • Weight/Capacity:32 Ounces
    • Release Type:N/A
    • NPK Ratio:16-4-8
    • Brand:Advanced
    • Additional Feature:Produced in the United States
    • Additional Feature:Blended with 16% nitrogen
    • Additional Feature:Easy to apply and mix
  3. Sunniland St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer 20-0-6

    Sunniland St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer 20-0-6

    Slow Release Nitrogen Granular

    View on Amazon

    For homeowners who want a slow release nitrogen granular lawn fertilizer for their St. Augustine grass, Sunniland's 20-0-6 formula is an excellent choice. This product is designed to provide balanced nutrition to St. Augustine turf and help support healthy lawn growth, color, and overall turf vitality. Additionally, it's phosphorus-free, making it a great option for those who want to avoid excessive phosphorus in their lawn care routine.

    One of the standout strengths of this product is its ability to provide slow release nitrogen, which helps maintain consistent growth and improved lawn appearance. The 20-0-6 formula is designed to promote strong turf development and maintain lawn health without added phosphorus.

    However, one limitation of this product is that it may not be suitable for small lawns, as each bag covers 5000 sq ft. This means that homeowners with smaller lawns may need to purchase multiple bags or apply the fertilizer more frequently.

    • Lawn Type:St. Augustine
    • Fertilizer Type:Granular
    • Weight/Capacity:20 lb per bag
    • Release Type:Slow release nitrogen
    • NPK Ratio:20-0-6
    • Brand:Sunniland
    • Additional Feature:Covers up to 5000 sq ft per bag
    • Additional Feature:Phosphorus-free
    • Additional Feature:Easy to spread and apply
  4. St Augustine Grass Fertilizer Liquid Lawn Food

    St Augustine Grass Fertilizer Liquid Lawn Food

    Fast-Absorbing Liquid Formula

    View on Amazon

    For homeowners who want a fast-absorbing liquid formula that promotes rich green color and thicker growth, this St Augustine grass fertilizer is an excellent choice. This product is designed to enhance deep green color and build strong roots for heat and wear resistance. Additionally, it's made in the USA and easy to mix and feed.

    One of the standout strengths of this product is its ability to deliver nutrients efficiently for visible improvements in growth, color, and turf health. The fast-absorbing liquid formula is designed to promote thick, healthy growth and enhance the overall appearance of your lawn.

    However, one limitation of this product is that it may require more frequent applications than some other products on the market. This means that homeowners may need to purchase multiple bottles and apply the fertilizer regularly to maintain optimal results.

    • Lawn Type:St. Augustine
    • Fertilizer Type:Liquid
    • Weight/Capacity:8 oz per bottle
    • Release Type:N/A
    • NPK Ratio:N/A
    • Brand:N/A
    • Additional Feature:Made in the USA
    • Additional Feature:Easy to mix and feed
    • Additional Feature:Promotes rich green color and thicker growth
  5. SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 Fertilizer

    SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 Fertilizer

    Iron-Rich Fertilizer

    View on Amazon

    For homeowners who want an iron-rich fertilizer that promotes excellent greening and growth, SeedRanch's St Augustine lawn fertilizer is an excellent choice. This product is designed to provide nutrients for St Augustine lawns and includes 6% iron for excellent greening. Additionally, it's a concentrated formula that covers 12,000 sq ft.

    One of the standout strengths of this product is its ability to provide a high concentration of iron, which is essential for healthy grass growth. The 24-2-11 formula is designed to promote vigorous growth and encourage the development of a dense, attractive lawn.

    However, one limitation of this product is that it may not be suitable for small lawns, as it's designed to cover 12,000 sq ft. This means that homeowners with smaller lawns may need to purchase multiple bags or apply the fertilizer more frequently.

    • Lawn Type:St. Augustine
    • Fertilizer Type:Granular
    • Weight/Capacity:50 lbs per bag
    • Release Type:N/A
    • NPK Ratio:24-2-11
    • Brand:SeedRanch
    • Additional Feature:Includes 6% iron for excellent greening
    • Additional Feature:Concentrated formula
    • Additional Feature:Easy to apply and spread
  6. Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food

    Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food

    All-In-One Lawn Fertilizer

    View on Amazon

    For homeowners who want an all-in-one lawn fertilizer that promotes healthy growth and strengthens their grass, Scotts Turf Builder is an excellent choice. This product is designed to feed and strengthen your grass, promoting healthy growth and color. Additionally, it's a pesticide-free lawn food that builds strong, deep roots.

    One of the standout strengths of this product is its ability to promote healthy growth and strengthen your grass. The 12.5 lb formula is designed to cover 5000 sq ft and promote a dense, attractive lawn.

    However, one limitation of this product is that it may require more frequent applications than some other products on the market. This means that homeowners may need to purchase multiple bags and apply the fertilizer regularly to maintain optimal results.

    • Lawn Type:All grass types
    • Fertilizer Type:Granular
    • Weight/Capacity:12.5 lbs per bag
    • Release Type:N/A
    • NPK Ratio:N/A
    • Brand:Scotts
    • Additional Feature:Feeds and strengthens your grass
    • Additional Feature:Builds strong, deep roots
    • Additional Feature:Promotes healthy growth and color
  7. Scotts Liquid Green Max Lawn Food

    Scotts Liquid Green Max Lawn Food

    Dual-Action Fertilizer

    View on Amazon

    For homeowners who want a dual-action fertilizer that feeds and supplements with iron, Scotts Liquid Green Max is an excellent choice. This product is designed to promote greening and growth, and its 2-in-1 formula feeds and supplements with iron to enhance and deepen the green color of your grass. Additionally, it's easy to apply and requires no granules or spreaders.

    One of the standout strengths of this product is its ability to promote greening and growth, and its dual-action formula is designed to provide visible results in just 3 days. The 32 oz formula is designed to cover up to 2000 sq ft, making it a great option for small to medium-sized lawns.

    However, one limitation of this product is that it may not be suitable for large lawns, as it's designed to cover up to 2000 sq ft. This means that homeowners with larger lawns may need to purchase multiple bottles or apply the fertilizer more frequently.

    • Lawn Type:All grass types
    • Fertilizer Type:Liquid
    • Weight/Capacity:32 oz per bottle
    • Release Type:N/A
    • NPK Ratio:N/A
    • Brand:Scotts
    • Additional Feature:Feeds and supplements with iron
    • Additional Feature:Promotes greening and growth
    • Additional Feature:Easy to apply and requires no granules or spreaders

Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Spring Fertilizers For St Augustine Grass

Active Ingredients

When selecting a fertilizer for your St Augustine grass, it's essential to consider the active ingredients. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three primary macronutrients that plants need to grow. Look for a product that contains a balanced ratio of these three nutrients, such as a 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio, which is suitable for St Augustine grass. As you shop for fertilizers, you'll notice that some products contain additional ingredients like micronutrients, microorganisms, and other additives. While these ingredients can be beneficial, make sure they don't compromise the balance of the primary macronutrients. You can find this information on the product label or in the manufacturer's documentation. Some popular active ingredients for St Augustine grass include ammonium sulfate, diammonium phosphate, and potassium nitrate.

Fertilizer Form

The form of the fertilizer is another crucial factor to consider. You can choose from liquid, granular, or pelletized fertilizers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Liquid fertilizers are often more concentrated and can be easily applied using a sprayer or irrigation system. They're a good choice if you have a small lawn or prefer a more targeted application. Granular fertilizers, on the other hand, are easier to spread and can be applied using a spreader. Pelletized fertilizers are a convenient option if you have a large lawn or prefer a slow-release formula. They're often more expensive than granular fertilizers but offer longer-lasting results.

pH Level

The pH level of your fertilizer is critical to ensure that your St Augustine grass receives the right balance of nutrients. Most St Augustine grass varieties prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. If your soil pH is too high or too low, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicity. You can test your soil pH using a DIY kit or send a sample to a laboratory for analysis. When selecting a fertilizer, look for a product that's specifically formulated for St Augustine grass and has a pH level that matches your soil type.

Sulfur Content

Sulfur is an essential element for St Augustine grass, and it's often added to fertilizers in the form of sulfur-coated urea or ammonium sulfate. Sulfur helps to regulate soil pH, improve nutrient uptake, and promote healthy root growth. When shopping for fertilizers, check the label for sulfur content. A product with 2-3% sulfur is a good starting point, but you may need to adjust the amount based on your soil type and grass requirements. Be aware that excessive sulfur can lead to soil acidification, so it's essential to monitor your soil pH and adjust your fertilizer application accordingly.

Nitrogen Release Rate

The nitrogen release rate refers to how quickly the fertilizer releases its nitrogen content. St Augustine grass prefers a slow-release fertilizer, which provides a steady supply of nitrogen over an extended period. A slow-release fertilizer typically contains coated urea or polymer-coated nitrogen, which breaks down gradually, releasing nitrogen as needed. This type of fertilizer is ideal for St Augustine grass, as it promotes healthy growth and reduces the risk of over-fertilization. When selecting a fertilizer, look for a product with a slow-release nitrogen formula to ensure optimal results.

Price Range

Fertilizers for St Augustine grass can vary significantly in price, depending on the active ingredients, form, and quantity. As a general rule, expect to pay between $10 to $50 for a 5-gallon bag of fertilizer. While it's tempting to opt for the cheapest option, keep in mind that a more expensive fertilizer may offer better quality, longer-lasting results, and improved safety features. Be sure to balance your budget with your grass requirements and the quality of the product. Ultimately, the best value is a fertilizer that provides excellent results, is easy to apply, and meets your specific needs without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time to fertilize my St Augustine grass in the spring?

Fertilizing your St Augustine grass at the right time is crucial for optimal growth and health. Generally, the best time to fertilize your St Augustine grass in the spring is during the active growth phase, which usually occurs from late February to early May. This period is ideal for spring fertilization, as it allows your grass to absorb the nutrients it needs to thrive. Fertilizing too early or too late can be counterproductive. If you fertilize too early, your grass may not be ready to absorb the nutrients, and if you fertilize too late, your grass may not have enough time to grow before the heat of summer sets in. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) is usually a good starting point for spring fertilization.

Are slow-release fertilizers better than quick-release ones for St Augustine grass?

Slow-release fertilizers can be a better option for St Augustine grass than quick-release ones. Slow-release fertilizers release nutrients over a longer period, typically between 6 to 12 weeks, which can provide a steady supply of nutrients to your grass. This can help reduce fertilizer burn, which can occur when quick-release fertilizers are applied too frequently. Slow-release fertilizers also tend to promote deeper root growth, as the grass is forced to search for nutrients over a longer period. However, it's essential to choose a high-quality slow-release fertilizer that contains the right balance of nutrients for your St Augustine grass.

How often should I fertilize my St Augustine grass in the spring?

The frequency of fertilization depends on several factors, including the type of fertilizer you're using and the specific needs of your St Augustine grass. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied every 4 to 6 weeks during the active growth phase. However, if you're using a slow-release fertilizer, you may only need to fertilize every 8 to 12 weeks. It's also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fertilizer you're using, as overfertilization can be detrimental to your grass.

Can I use organic fertilizers for my St Augustine grass?

Yes, you can use organic fertilizers for your St Augustine grass. Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials such as fish bone meal, blood meal, and composted manure. These fertilizers can provide a slow release of nutrients to your grass and promote healthy growth. Some popular organic fertilizers for St Augustine grass include fish emulsion, bone meal, and alfalfa meal. However, keep in mind that organic fertilizers may not be as readily available as synthetic fertilizers, and they may take longer to produce results.

What's the difference between a nitrogen-rich fertilizer and a phosphorus-rich fertilizer for St Augustine grass?

A nitrogen-rich fertilizer is designed to promote leaf growth and green color, while a phosphorus-rich fertilizer is designed to promote root growth and establishment. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers usually contain a higher ratio of nitrogen (e.g., 20-5-5) and are ideal for St Augustine grass during the active growth phase. Phosphorus-rich fertilizers, on the other hand, contain a higher ratio of phosphorus (e.g., 5-10-10) and are ideal for St Augustine grass during the establishment phase or after a transplant. It's essential to choose the right type of fertilizer based on your specific needs and the growth stage of your grass.

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