A: Sapphire can be mowed as low as ½ inch, but the optimum height for a homeowner is 2 ½ inches; Sapphire should be mowed when it reaches a height of 3 inches. Remember to never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade in any single mowing.

A: Sapphire has been successfully grown on commercial sod farms as far north as Coastal North Carolina and has survived minimum temperatures of 18^o F without significant damage. Sapphire thrives in a wide range of climatic conditions in USDA Zones 8b to 11, which stretches from Florida northward to the coastal Carolinas and westward along the gulf coast region into central Texas and continues into southwestern Arizona and coastal and central California. The cold hardiness of any particular turfgrass, however, is dependent on several factors, including the minimum low temperature, the duration of the cold, the hydration of the turfgrass, wind, soil type and proper establishment of the turfgrass in question. Before a huge investment is made in placing Sapphire in a colder region, a small sample or “test” plot should be planted to confirm success.

A: Sapphire has not shown any significant resistance to those insects and diseases that commonly affect St. Augustinegrasses, however, because of Sapphire’s more rapid horizontal growth; it recovers quicker than most other St. Augustine grasses from the damage caused by these pests and diseases (see Sapphire Research for more information on the rate Sapphire’s lateral growth)

A: Sapphire St. Augustine is an attractive turfgrass with fast prostrate (horizontal) growth, and a leaf blade that is infolded in mature turf, giving the grass a fine leaf appearance. Sapphire has a pleasing blue-green color, and has excellent color retention. Sapphire is hardwearing in demanding climates. Sapphire tolerates salt, shade, and drought. It performs well with less maintenance, fertilizer and water. Sapphire is positioned to be a superior homeowner’s grass due to improved wear recovery and reduced weed problems.