How to Plant Kikuyu Turf Plugs — A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Choose Kikuyu Turf Plugs?

Kikuyu turf plugs are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to convert or repair a lawn. Unlike laying full turf rolls, plugs require zero ground preparation — you simply plant them into your existing lawn or bare soil and let Kikuyu's aggressive spreading habit do the rest.

Kikuyu is a warm-season grass that thrives in hot, sunny Australian conditions. It spreads via both above-ground runners and underground rhizomes, filling in gaps quickly and creating a dense, hard-wearing lawn over time.

When to Plant

Plant Kikuyu turf plugs from late September through to April when soil temperatures are warm enough for establishment. Kikuyu grows fastest when soil temperatures are consistently above 20°C — spring and early summer are ideal.

Avoid planting in winter as cold temperatures will slow or stop establishment entirely.

How Many Plugs Do You Need?

Kikuyu turf plugs are planted at a rate of 6–10 plugs per m²:

6 plugs per m² — more economical, takes longer to fill in (6–12 months)
10 plugs per m² — faster coverage, fills in within 3–6 months

Our 100-plug tray covers approximately 10–16m² depending on your chosen spacing.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Mow existing lawn short — if planting into an established lawn, mow as low as possible to reduce competition
Create your holes — use a plug tool, trowel, or drill auger to create holes at your chosen spacing
Insert each plug — place firmly into the hole so the crown sits level with the soil surface
Water thoroughly — water deeply immediately after planting
Keep moist for 2–3 weeks — water daily until plugs are established and showing new growth
Fertilise at 4–6 weeks — apply a lawn fertiliser to encourage spreading

Aftercare Tips

🌿 Watering: Once established, Kikuyu is drought tolerant — reduce watering frequency after the first month
✂️ Mowing: Begin mowing once plugs are actively spreading — keep at 25–40mm to encourage lateral growth
🌱 Fertilising: Apply a controlled release fertiliser 4–6 weeks after planting and again every 2–3 months through the growing season
🪲 Weeds: Hand weed around plugs for the first few weeks. Once Kikuyu establishes, it will naturally outcompete most weeds