Dichondra repens is a soft, low-growing groundcover that forms a dense green mat. It’s popular as a lawn alternative in warm areas, and it also works well around fruit trees, between pavers, or as a living mulch in garden beds. Starting from seed is an affordable way to cover larger spaces and lets the plants adapt to your site from the beginning. This guide explains what Dichondra repens is, where it grows best, how to sow seed, and how to keep it healthy once established. It also includes simple troubleshooting and ideas for using it in your landscape.
Quick Summary
- Best for: Living groundcover, lawn alternative (warm climates), between pavers, orchard floors, borders.
- When to sow: Spring to early summer (or autumn in mild, frost-free areas).
- How to sow: Surface sow or cover very lightly; keep evenly moist until germination.
- After sprouting: Water less often, trim for density, and keep weeds out while it fills in.
What is Dichondra repens?
Dichondra repens is a perennial groundcover with small, kidney-shaped leaves that create a carpet-like surface. It’s native to Australia and New Zealand and grows well in warm to temperate conditions. Given the right conditions, it spreads to cover bare soil, helping reduce weeds and moisture loss.
- Groundcover: Dense, soft foliage that fills gaps and covers soil.
- Low maintenance: Once established, it needs less mowing and less water than many lawns.
- Versatile: Useful in gardens, around trees, in courtyards, and along paths.
Why grow Dichondra repens from seed?
Growing from seed is usually the most cost-effective option when you want to cover a larger area. It also gives you control over where it grows and how thickly it’s planted. Seed-grown plants tend to settle into local conditions as they develop, which can improve resilience over time.
- More economical than buying trays or pots for larger spaces.
- Easy to adjust sowing density for patch repairs or full coverage.
- Allows plants to establish gradually and adapt to your soil and microclimate.
Choosing quality seed
Good seed makes establishment easier. Look for clean, clearly labelled seed from a supplier with good feedback. If you are using coated seed, keep in mind the coating helps with handling and more even sowing, but consistent moisture is still essential during germination.
- Choose fresh seed where possible (recent season stock).
- Store seed cool and dry until sowing.
- Check you have enough seed for your area before you start preparing the site.
Ideal growing conditions
Dichondra repens grows best in well-drained soil and performs well in full sun to partial shade. In hotter areas, a bit of afternoon shade can help the foliage stay lush. In cooler areas, choose a warm, bright spot to encourage faster establishment.
- Soil: Well-drained loam is ideal, but it can handle sandy soils and lighter clays if drainage is good.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Moisture: Even moisture during germination; moderate watering once established.
- Frost: Young plants are more sensitive—avoid sowing into cold, frosty conditions.
How to plant Dichondra repens seeds
Sowing is simple, but preparation and watering make the difference. The goal is a fine seedbed, good seed-to-soil contact, and steady moisture until the seedlings are up and growing.
Step-by-step sowing guide
- Prepare the area: Remove weeds, stones, and debris. Rake the soil to a fine, even surface.
- Loosen and level: Lightly loosen the top layer so roots can establish easily.
- Sow evenly: Broadcast seed as evenly as possible. For larger areas, split seed into two batches and sow in a criss-cross pattern.
- Cover lightly: Press seed into the surface or cover very lightly with fine soil or sand (do not bury deeply).
- Water gently: Mist or use a soft spray so the seed isn’t washed away.
- Keep moist: Maintain consistent surface moisture until germination, then gradually reduce watering.
Germination timeframe: Typically 7–21 days depending on warmth and moisture.
Caring for Dichondra repens after germination
Once seedlings appear, focus on steady growth rather than constant watering. The key is to support root development, prevent weed competition, and encourage the plants to knit together into a dense mat.
- Watering: Water lightly and regularly at first, then space watering out as roots deepen. Avoid waterlogging.
- Weed control: Hand-weed early on; weeds are easiest to remove before dichondra spreads.
- Trimming: Light trimming can encourage thicker growth and a more even surface.
- Feeding: Often unnecessary. If growth is slow, apply a light, balanced fertiliser or compost top-dress.
Common problems and simple fixes
1) Yellowing leaves
- Likely cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
- What to do: Reduce watering, improve drainage, and avoid heavy watering late in the day.
2) Bald patches or thin areas
- Likely cause: Not enough light, uneven watering, or the area being walked on too early.
- What to do: Overseed thin patches, keep moisture consistent, and limit foot traffic until established.
3) Pests (slugs, snails, aphids)
- What to do: Use simple controls such as hand removal for slugs/snails, or a mild soap spray for aphids. Encourage beneficial insects by keeping plant diversity nearby.
Ways to use Dichondra repens in your landscape
Dichondra repens is most effective where you want soft green cover without the upkeep of a traditional lawn. It also works well as a living mulch in spaces where you want soil protected year-round.
- Lawn alternative (warm climates): A softer look with less mowing.
- Between pavers: Adds greenery to paths and courtyard spaces.
- Orchard floors: Helps reduce weeds and protects soil under trees.
- Borders and edges: Softens hard lines around garden beds and stones.
- Slopes: Provides soil cover that can help reduce erosion once established.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to plant?
Spring to early summer is ideal. In mild areas with low frost risk, autumn sowing can also work.
Can it grow in shade?
Yes, it tolerates partial shade. In deep shade it may thin out and spread more slowly.
How often should I water after sowing?
Keep the surface consistently moist until germination. After seedlings are established, water less often but more deeply.
Final tips
- Start with a clean, fine seedbed and sow evenly for the best finish.
- Keep moisture consistent during germination, then avoid overwatering.
- Trim lightly to encourage density once plants begin spreading.
- Overseed thin patches rather than waiting for them to fill on their own.