Hubbard, Ore. - Turf-Seed is planning to release Sea Spray, a commercially available seeded variety of seashore paspalum, in the spring. Seashore paspalum, which has high tolerance to heat and salt, is viewed as a viable alternative to Bermudagrass, but the costs of time and money to sprig and establish the variety has kept superintendents from selecting it for their golf courses. But now, the ability to seed with Sea Spray will make seashore paspalum more affordable, easier and quicker to establish.
The seed grows much faster than sprigs, according to Gordon Zielinski, c.e.o. of Turf-Seed.
“Trials held at the University of Hawaii show that Sea Spray gained 95-percent soil coverage after about five weeks, faster than any other variety studied,” Zielinski said.
Once it’s established, Sea Spray adapts to a variety of soil types and water supply sources, including straight sea water. This means superintendents and professional turfgrass managers can irrigate Sea Spray with pure sea water and reduce water costs.
“If a golf course is lucky enough to have ocean water available, they can greatly lower their irrigation costs by pumping directly from the ocean,” Zielinski said.
The recommended seeding rate for Sea Spray is 1 pound per 1000 square feet. It’s dual root system of rhizomes and stolons, along with its high turf density and quick repair ability, make it well suited to golf course greens, tees and fairways.