Dichondra Repens Growing Guide
Dichondra repens is a soft, low-growing groundcover that forms a dense green mat.
It is popular as a lawn alternative in warm climates and also works well around fruit trees, between pavers, along borders and as a living groundcover in garden beds.
Growing Dichondra repens from seed is an economical way to cover larger areas. This guide explains where it grows best, how to sow the seed and how to keep your dichondra healthy once established.
Groundcover, lawn alternatives, pavers and borders
Spring to early summer
Full sun to partial shade
Surface sow or cover very lightly
Usually 7–21 days
Low, spreading perennial groundcover
In This Guide
What Is Dichondra Repens?
Dichondra repens is a perennial groundcover with small, rounded to kidney-shaped leaves that form a soft, carpet-like surface.
It is native to Australia and New Zealand and performs well in warm to temperate conditions.
Given suitable moisture, soil and light, it gradually spreads across bare ground and can form a dense living cover.
Creates soft green foliage that fills gaps and covers exposed soil.
Naturally forms a low mat rather than tall upright growth.
Useful in lower-traffic areas where a softer alternative to traditional turf is wanted.
Suitable around trees, between pavers, in courtyards and along garden edges.
Why Grow Dichondra Repens from Seed?
Growing from seed is often the most cost-effective option when you want to establish dichondra over a larger area.
It also gives you flexibility to sow whole areas or simply repair thin or bare patches.
More Economical
Seed is generally much more practical than buying individual trays or pots when covering larger areas.
Flexible Coverage
You can adjust how much seed you use for complete establishment, patch repairs or overseeding.
Establishes In Place
Seedlings develop directly in your site’s soil and growing conditions from the beginning.
Useful for Repairs
Small quantities of seed can be used later to fill thin areas or patch bare sections.
Choosing Quality Dichondra Seed
Good-quality seed helps make establishment more predictable.
Choose clearly labelled seed from a reliable supplier and store it correctly until you are ready to sow.
Use reasonably fresh stock where possible.
Keep unused seed cool and dry until sowing.
Make sure you have enough seed before preparing the site.
Coating can make very small seed easier to handle and distribute more evenly.
Seed coating may make sowing easier, but it does not remove the need for consistent moisture during germination.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Dichondra repens performs best where the soil drains freely and the plants receive adequate light and moisture.
Soil
Well-drained loam is ideal, although dichondra can also grow in sandy soils and lighter clays where drainage is adequate.
Light
Full sun to partial shade. In hotter regions, some afternoon shade can help keep the foliage looking lush.
Moisture
Keep the surface evenly moist during germination. Once established, watering can gradually become less frequent.
Frost
Young seedlings are more vulnerable to cold conditions, so avoid sowing into periods of regular frost.
How to Plant Dichondra Repens Seeds
Establishment is straightforward, but good preparation and careful watering make a major difference.
The goal is to create a fine seedbed, achieve good seed-to-soil contact and maintain steady moisture while the seed germinates.
Prepare the Area
Remove weeds, stones and debris, then rake the soil to create a fine and reasonably even surface.
Loosen & Level
Lightly loosen the upper soil layer so young roots can establish easily.
Sow Evenly
Broadcast the seed as evenly as possible. For larger areas, divide the seed and sow half in each direction.
Cover Very Lightly
Press the seed into the surface or cover it only very lightly with fine soil or sand. Do not bury it deeply.
Water Gently
Use a fine spray or mist so the seed is not displaced or washed into patches.
Keep the Surface Moist
Maintain consistent surface moisture until germination, then gradually reduce watering frequency as seedlings establish.
Dichondra repens typically germinates in approximately 7–21 days, depending on temperature, moisture and growing conditions.
Caring for Dichondra Repens After Germination
Once seedlings appear, the goal changes from simply keeping the surface wet to encouraging steady root growth and helping the plants spread into a dense mat.
Water lightly and regularly while plants are small, then gradually move towards less frequent watering as roots establish.
Remove weeds early while dichondra seedlings are still small and competition is greatest.
Light trimming can encourage denser growth and a more uniform surface.
Heavy feeding is usually unnecessary. If growth is poor, a light balanced fertiliser or compost top-dressing may help.
Dichondra needs moisture during establishment, but persistently saturated soil can cause poor growth and root problems.
Common Dichondra Problems and Simple Fixes
Yellowing Leaves
Likely cause: Too much water or poor drainage.
What to do: Reduce watering, check drainage and avoid keeping the soil constantly saturated.
Bald Patches or Thin Growth
Possible causes: Uneven watering, insufficient light or foot traffic before the plants have established.
What to do: Overseed thin areas, improve moisture consistency and limit traffic until growth thickens.
Slugs & Snails
Young tender growth may be vulnerable to feeding damage.
What to do: Inspect plants regularly and manage slugs and snails before damage becomes severe.
Aphids
Aphids may occasionally gather on tender new growth.
What to do: Check new shoots regularly and use an appropriate garden control if required.
Ways to Use Dichondra Repens in Your Landscape
Dichondra repens is particularly useful where you want soft green groundcover without the appearance or maintenance requirements of conventional lawn grass.
Creates a soft green surface in suitable lower-traffic areas.
Adds greenery around stepping stones, paths and courtyard paving.
Provides living groundcover under established trees where conditions are suitable.
Softens the edges of beds, rocks and hard landscaping.
Established groundcover can help protect exposed soil from erosion.
Keeps soil covered in spaces that would otherwise remain bare.
Dichondra can tolerate occasional foot traffic, but it is not generally the best choice for areas receiving constant heavy use.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Best Time to Plant Dichondra?
Spring to early summer is generally ideal. In mild, low-frost climates, autumn sowing may also be suitable.
Can Dichondra Grow in Shade?
Yes. Dichondra repens tolerates partial shade, although very deep shade can result in thinner and slower-growing cover.
How Often Should I Water After Sowing?
Keep the upper surface consistently moist during germination. Once seedlings establish, gradually move towards less frequent, deeper watering.
Does Dichondra Need Mowing?
Usually not in the same way as conventional lawn grass. Occasional light trimming can help maintain an even and dense appearance.
Can Dichondra Grow Between Pavers?
Yes. It is well suited to gaps between pavers where there is sufficient soil, moisture and light.
Can You Overseed Thin Patches?
Yes. Thin or bare areas can be lightly prepared and reseeded rather than waiting for surrounding plants to spread into the gap.
Final Tips for Growing Dichondra Repens
Start with a clean, fine seedbed
Aim for consistent coverage
Do not let the surface dry during germination
Reduce watering as roots establish
Encourage thicker spreading growth
Overseed patches when required
Grow Dichondra Repens from Seed
Establish a soft, low-growing groundcover for gardens, borders, pathways and suitable lawn-alternative areas.