Kikuyu Lawn Care Calendar (Victoria)

Kikuyu is one of the toughest lawn grasses you can grow in Victoria — but it’s also one of the easiest to get wrong. Its rapid growth, aggressive runners, and seasonal mood swings mean timing is everything. Do the right job at the wrong time, and you’ll either weaken the lawn or watch it take over garden beds and paths.

This Kikuyu lawn care calendar is designed for Victorian homeowners standing in their backyard, wondering things like “Should I mow this low?” or “Is it too late to fertilise?”. It’s a scrollable, bookmarkable cheat sheet built around Melbourne’s frosts, heatwaves, and unpredictable shoulder seasons.

Year at a Glance: Kikuyu Cheat Sheet

Critical Kikuyu milestones in Victoria

• Early–mid September: First mow as growth explodes
• Late October: First major fertiliser window
• Early March: Final strong growth phase‍
• Late April: Last safe renovation window

Spring (September–November)

Goal: Harness growth without losing control

Quick answer: Spring is when Kikuyu wakes up fast. Mow early, feed lightly, and keep it contained.

Mowing: Start early, mow often

Kikuyu explodes out of winter dormancy once soil temperatures rise.

Best practice

• Begin mowing as soon as growth starts (often early September in Melbourne)
• Mow frequently, not severely
• Ideal spring height: 25–35 mm

Letting Kikuyu get too long early in spring encourages thick thatch and weak, spongy growth later.

Renovation: Light work only

Kikuyu responds well to light dethatching, but timing is critical.

✔️ Light scarifying or raking in mid–spring
✔️ Core aeration if soil is compacted
❌ Heavy dethatching too early (cold soil slows recovery)

Nutrition: Feed, but don’t overdo it

Kikuyu loves nitrogen — sometimes too much.

Use a controlled, slow-release fertiliser in mid–late spring to avoid excessive leaf growth and mowing overload.

Summer (December–February)

Goal: Keep up with growth and prevent stress

Quick answer: Summer Kikuyu grows fast. Mow regularly, water deeply, and avoid scalping.

Mowing: Frequency over aggression

In summer, Kikuyu should be mown every 7–10 days in peak growth.

Ideal height in hot weather

• 30–40 mm during heatwaves (35°C+)

Cutting too low in summer exposes runners and increases moisture loss.

Watering: Deep roots, better lawn

Kikuyu is drought-tolerant once established, but sustained Victorian heat still demands water.

Watering tips

• Deep watering 2–3 times per week in extreme heat
• Early morning only
• Avoid daily shallow watering

Signs Kikuyu needs water

• Leaves lose sheen and look dull
• Footprints remain visible

These are early stress signs — water before browning appears.

Pests: What to watch for

Kikuyu is moderately susceptible to:

• Lawn grubs
• African black beetle larvae

Patchy yellowing combined with turf lifting is your clue to check beneath the surface.

Autumn (March–May)

Goal: Slow growth and build resilience

Quick answer: Autumn is about calming Kikuyu down and strengthening roots before winter.

Fertilising: Change the formula

Apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser with potassium in early autumn.

Why?

• Reduces excessive top growth
• Improves cold tolerance
• Strengthens runners and roots

Avoid nitrogen-heavy products after late April.

Weed prevention

Autumn is the best time to stop winter weeds before they germinate.

• Apply pre-emergent herbicides suitable for Kikuyu
• Spot-spray broadleaf weeds where needed

Repair cutoff

In Victoria, Kikuyu growth slows sharply by late April.

✔️ Repair bare patches before ANZAC Day
❌ Repairs after this often fail due to cold soil

Winter (June–August)

Goal: Containment and patience

Quick answer: Kikuyu goes mostly dormant. Do very little and focus on keeping edges tidy.

What to expect

• Growth nearly stops
• Lawn may turn straw-coloured or pale green
• Recovery waits for spring warmth

This is normal dormancy, not lawn death.

Mowing and care

• Mow only if needed, usually once every 4–6 weeks
• Keep mower high
• Remove leaves to prevent smothering

Traffic and frost

Kikuyu handles foot traffic better than most grasses, but frost damage can occur.

Avoid walking on frosty turf where possible.

The “Do Not Do This” List 🚫

1. Over-fertilising

Too much nitrogen creates uncontrollable growth, thatch, and constant mowing.

2. Letting it creep

Unchecked runners will invade garden beds, paths, and neighbouring lawns.

Edge regularly. Kikuyu never stops testing boundaries.

3. Winter feeding

Fertilising in winter wastes product and weakens the lawn.

Control Is the Secret

Kikuyu isn’t difficult — it’s enthusiastic. When you work with its growth cycle instead of fighting it, it rewards you with a dense, resilient, hard-wearing lawn that thrives in Melbourne’s climate.

Remember:

• Mow often in spring and summer
• Feed strategically, not constantly
• Slow it down in autumn
• Leave it alone in winter

Follow this calendar and Kikuyu becomes a strength, not a problem 🌱