New Zealand sedge (Carex secta) is an attractive, low-maintenance grass that makes an excellent lawn substitute for areas with partial shade. This tough, durable sedge forms a lush, soft, green carpet that can tolerate light foot traffic. With minimal care, New Zealand sedge provides year-round green color and needs little mowing, fertilizing, or watering once established. Growing this sedge lawn is straightforward, but there are some key tips to ensure your New Zealand sedge thrives.

Selecting the Right Site

New Zealand sedge prefers moist, partially shaded sites but will tolerate some sun. When selecting where to plant your sedge lawn, consider the following:

Light Requirements

New Zealand sedge grows best with 2 to 5 hours of sun per day. It can tolerate full shade but may become thinner.
In hot climates, afternoon shade is ideal to prevent stress from intense midday sun. Morning sun is okay.
Light, dappled shade under trees is a perfect spot for New Zealand sedge.

Soil Needs

Rich, moist, well-draining soil is ideal for New Zealand sedge.
Clay soils should be amended with compost to improve drainage.
Very sandy soils may require more frequent watering. Add compost to increase moisture retention.
Test soil pH and correct if needed. Sedge prefers a pH between 5.5-7.0.

Slope and Drainage

New Zealand sedge can handle a range of sites but avoid steep slopes prone to erosion.
Select a relatively flat or gently sloping area.
Ensure the site drains adequately to prevent waterlogged soil.

Preparing the Site

Proper preparation helps New Zealand sedge establish quickly with less weeding required.

Remove Existing Vegetation

Remove any existing grass, weeds, or plants from the site. Options include:

Sheet mulching with cardboard or layers of newspaper over areas to smother vegetation.
Solarizing the area under clear plastic in summer to bake existing plants.
Herbicide treatment if needed for stubborn weeds – always follow label directions.

Improve Soil

Till compost into the top 6-12 inches of soil to increase fertility and drainage.
Level any uneven areas and smooth the soil surface.
Rake to create a fine seedbed free of debris.

Erosion Control

On slopes, create erosion control barriers before planting:

Install silt fencing or straw bales on downhill sides.
Create terraces following the contour of the slope.
Line water drainage channels with crushed rock.

When to Plant

New Zealand sedge can be planted in spring, summer, or fall. However, ideal planting windows are:

Spring: From March to May as temperatures rise. Warmer soil stimulates faster germination.
Fall: From September to November. Cooler temperatures are easier on new plantings.

Avoid planting in the heat of summer or cold of winter. If sowing sedge seed, keep the area moist until germination.

Obtaining New Zealand Sedge

You can establish New Zealand sedge by seed, sod, or plugs. Each has pros and cons:

Sedge Seed

Least expensive option but slower to establish.
Takes 1-2 growing seasons to form a full lawn.
Requires frequent watering until plants mature.
Ideal for large areas – seeds spread to fill in bare spots.

New Zealand Sedge Sod

Provides instant lawn gratification!
Mature sod establishes quickly with full coverage.
Avoid planting in hot, dry weather which stresses new sod.
Keep sod moist until the roots take hold – about 2 weeks.
Most costly option but less weeding and maintenance.

New Zealand Sedge Plugs

Plugs planted 6-12 inches apart fill in within one season.
Less expensive than sod but faster growing than seed.
Require diligent weed control between plugs when first planted.
Order 15% more plugs than needed to allow for losses.

Planting Your New Zealand Sedge

Once you have your sedge source, proper planting technique is important:

Planting Sedge Seed

Rake soil smooth and remove any debris. Break up large clumps.
Broadcast seed evenly over the prepared area.
Suggested seeding rate is 1/2 pound per 1000 sq ft.
Work seed gently into the top 1/4 inch of soil.
Roll lightly or hand tamp to improve seed-to-soil contact.
Water gently daily to keep seeded area moist until sprouts appear.
Expect germination in 14-28 days depending on weather.

Installing New Zealand Sedge Sod

Time installation for cooler weather if possible.
Water sod rolls thoroughly before laying them.
Butt sod pieces tightly together without gaps or overlap.
On slopes, lay sod perpendicular to the gradient and secure with sod pins.
Roll sod lightly to adhere it to the soil surface.
Water sod daily with light misting for about 2 weeks until established.

Planting Sedge Plugs

Space plugs 6-12 inches apart in a grid pattern.
Before planting, fill plug trays or pots with water and let soak in.
Dig holes the depth of each plug. Place plugs in holes and firm soil around.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
Check daily and water plugs as needed until established.

Caring for New Zealand Sedge

Once planted, proper care and maintenance will keep your sedge lawn looking its best:

Watering Tips

Water new seedlings or sod daily light and frequently to keep soil moist.
Once established, water sedge when the top few inches of soil become dry.
Avoid overwatering which can rot sedge roots.
In cool climates, reduce watering in winter when sedge growth slows.

Fertilizing

Fertilize in spring and fall with a balanced organic fertilizer.
Milorganite (5-2-0) applied at 36 pounds per 1000 sq ft is a good option.
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which cause excessive growth.
In poor soils, also add a balanced organic fertilizer monthly.

Mowing Your Sedge Lawn

Allow your sedge to grow to 4-6 inches tall before mowing.
Cut no more than 1/3 of the total height when mowing.
Keep mower blades sharp to avoid shredding sedge leaves.
In cooler climates, sedge may only need mowing 1-2 times per month.

Weeding Tips

Hand pull weeds in new sedge plantings to avoid using herbicides.
Apply corn gluten meal in spring to deter weeds in established areas.
Spot treat persistent weeds with organic herbicides like horticultural vinegar.

Pest and Disease Control

Ensure adequate airflow and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal disease.
Treat chafer beetle grubs with beneficial nematodes if damage occurs.
Use organic neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays to deter pests.

Winter Care

Cut sedge shorter in late fall (2-3 inches) before winter dormancy.
Remove any brown leaves or debris to prevent matting and rotting.
Avoid heavy foot traffic on frozen sedge to prevent damage.
Resume normal mowing and care when green growth returns in spring.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even when properly cared for, issues can sometimes plague sedge lawns. Monitor for these common problems and treat as needed:

Problem: Sedge turning brown or developing bare patches.

Solution: This often occurs due to heat/drought stress, insufficient watering, or poor drainage. Improve irrigation, aerate compacted areas, topdress with compost. If fungal disease is the cause, apply organic antifungal products.

Problem: Weeds invading and crowding out sedge.

Solution: Hand pull small weeds, spot spray larger infestations with organic herbicide. Overseed bare areas with more sedge seed to thicken growth and reduce weeds. Apply corn gluten meal to deter new weeds.

Problem: Excessive thatch buildup in older lawns.

Solution: Dethatch excess layers with a mechanical dethatching rake in early fall. Topdress with 1/4 inch compost after dethatching to improve soil and encourage vigorous regrowth.

Problem: Sedge developing yellow or chlorotic leaves.

Solution: This indicates iron or nutrient deficiency. Test soil and amend as needed. Foliar feed liquid chelated iron per label instructions to quickly restore green color in leaves.

Problem: Sedge scalping or damage from improper mowing.

Solution: Sharpen mower blades regularly. Increase cutting height and remove only 1/3 of blade length when mowing. Take care not to mow frozen or frost covered sedge.

Alternative Uses for New Zealand Sedge

Beyond lawns, New Zealand sedge can also be used:

As a graceful border or accent plant around gardens, pathways or landscape beds. Plant spaced 12″ apart.
Interspersed with ornamental grasses for added texture and contrast. Try mixing with purple fountain grass.
Planted in clumps as an erosion control grass on slopes, drainage channels or rain gardens. Space plugs 8″ apart.
Allowed to grow tall (10-24″) as a striking architectural feature in containers or beds.
Underplanted between shrubs and trees to create an attractive organic mulch layer that suppresses weeds.

New Zealand sedge is a versatile and beautiful grass. With its fine-textured foliage and pleasing arching form, it’s ideal for those seeking an attractive lawn alternative that requires minimal maintenance. By following the growing tips above, you can successfully grow this ornamental sedge and enjoy its benefits for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing New Zealand Sedge

New Zealand sedge is a great lawn alternative, but if you’re new to growing it, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about growing this popular ornamental grass.

Does New Zealand sedge spread quickly?

Yes, New Zealand sedge spreads via underground rhizomes and will slowly expand to fill in bare spots and form a thick carpet. Expect it to spread 6-12 inches per year. The growth rate increases under ideal conditions with ample moisture and sunlight.

Is New Zealand sedge deer resistant?

It is somewhat deer resistant thanks to its tough strappy foliage and dense mat growth habit, which deters grazing. However, deer may occasionally nibble the grass blades, especially when other food is scarce. Some deer repellents can offer further protection.

What’s the ideal height to mow New Zealand sedge?

Ideally, allow the sedge to grow 4-6 inches tall between mowings. Never cut it shorter than 2-3 inches or remove more than 1/3 of the total blade height when mowing. This maintains its health and appearance.

Does New Zealand sedge go dormant in winter?

In cold climates, the grass will go dormant and turn tan or brown over winter. It will revive and regrow when warmer spring temperatures return. In mild winter regions, the sedge may remain evergreen and slow its growth over winter months.

How much sun does New Zealand sedge need?

This sedge grows best with 2 to 5 hours of direct sun daily. Light afternoon shade is ideal in hot climates. Dappled sunlight under trees also works well. It can handle partial shade but may thin out in dense shade.

Is New Zealand sedge native to New Zealand?

Despite its common name, New Zealand sedge is actually native to wetlands and meadows in Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa and some Pacific Islands. It likely received its name from being grown extensively in New Zealand gardens.

What’s the best way to plant New Zealand sedge plugs?

For the healthiest sedge lawn from plugs, space them 6-12 inches apart in a grid pattern. Before planting, fill plug trays with water and let soak in. Dig holes the depth of plugs, pop them in, and firm soil around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.

Should New Zealand sedge be watered deeply or frequently?

New plantings should be watered daily in light increments to keep soil moist but not saturated. Once established, this sedge prefers occasional deeper soakings whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid frequent shallow waterings.

Is New Zealand sedge native to the United States?

No, New Zealand sedge is not considered native to North America. It has been introduced to the U.S. as a garden and landscape ornamental grass. However, some related native Carex sedges are found growing wild in wetlands across the States.

Growing New Zealand sedge successfully requires selecting the right site, proper planting techniques, and attentive care during establishment. But once grown in, it rewards you with a beautiful, lush grassy lawn requiring minimal maintenance. By following the tips above, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of sedge for years to come.

Conclusion

New Zealand sedge is a versatile, attractive grass that makes a lush, durable lawn alternative for shady areas. With a fine-bladed texture and graceful, arching form, it provides year-round soft green color with minimal maintenance needs once established. This sedge handles light foot traffic and tolerates a variety of soil and moisture conditions. While easy to grow, best results come from preparing the site properly, selecting top-quality planting material, and providing attentive care during its first season. By following the steps here for preparing, planting, and caring for New Zealand sedge, you can successfully grow a beautiful sedge lawn that thrives for years to come. With the proper site and a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with an enviable ornamental sedge garden.

How to Grow New Zealand Sedge