Actually, there isn’t any! Let me explain. So, you’ve probably heard of St. Augustinegrass, right? Well, “Floratam” is actually a specific type of St. Augustinegrass, or more accurately, a cultivar. Now, you might be wondering what a cultivar is. Well, it’s basically a plant variety that has been bred and selected by humans for specific traits.
In the case of Floratam, it was developed by the University of Florida and Texas A&M University and was first released in 1973. The name itself is a combination of “Flora” and “TAM,” which stands for Texas A&M. Clever, right?
Now, you might be thinking, is Floratam the same as regular St. Augustinegrass? The answer is both yes and no. Let me explain further. Floratam is a specific type of St. Augustinegrass that has been bred to have certain characteristics that make it more resistant to diseases and pests, particularly the notorious chinch bugs. It also has a higher tolerance for heat and drought compared to some other varieties of St. Augustinegrass.
So, in terms of its growth habit, appearance, and general characteristics, Floratam is quite similar to other types of St. Augustinegrass. It forms a dense, lush turf with a medium to dark green color, and it has a coarse texture. It spreads by stolons, which are above-ground runners, and it can be established from sod or plugs.
However, the key difference lies in its resistance and tolerance to certain factors. Floratam is specifically known for its resistance to chinch bugs, which can be a major problem for St. Augustinegrass lawns. These pesky insects feed on the grass, causing it to turn brown and potentially die if left untreated. By choosing Floratam, you can have a greater assurance that your lawn will be better protected against these pests.
Another advantage of Floratam is its enhanced heat and drought tolerance. While St. Augustinegrass in general is known for its tolerance to shade, Floratam has been bred to withstand higher temperatures and periods of limited water availability. This can be particularly beneficial in hot and dry climates, where maintaining a healthy lawn can be a challenge.
Now, it’s important to note that Floratam is not without its drawbacks. It can be more susceptible to certain diseases, such as brown patch, compared to other St. Augustinegrass varieties. Additionally, it is not as cold tolerant as some other types, so it may not be the best choice for areas with harsh winters.
Floratam is a specific cultivar of St. Augustinegrass that offers improved resistance to chinch bugs and enhanced heat and drought tolerance. While it shares many characteristics with other types of St. Augustinegrass, it has been specifically bred to excel in these areas. So, if you’re looking for a St. Augustinegrass variety that can better withstand pests and challenging environmental conditions, Floratam might be the right choice for you.