Dichondra Repens Groundcover Seeds
Grow a soft, low-growing Australian native groundcover suited to lawn alternatives, garden pathways, orchard floors and living mulch plantings. Dichondra Repens (Dichondra repens) forms a spreading carpet of small, rounded to kidney-shaped green leaves.
Unlike upright lawn grasses, Dichondra spreads through creeping stems that root at the nodes. Its leafy growth covers bare soil and creates an attractive surface around stepping stones, beneath open trees and along garden edges.
Established coverage can help shade the soil, reduce surface evaporation and limit some weed growth. Dichondra performs best with adequate moisture and suitable drainage, particularly in partly shaded positions. It can also grow in full sun where sufficient water is available.
Dichondra Repens Seed Details
| Botanical name | Dichondra repens |
|---|---|
| Common names | Dichondra, Kidney Weed |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Plant type | Australian native perennial creeping groundcover |
| Growth habit | Low, spreading and mat-forming; creeping stems root at the nodes |
| Height | Low-growing; foliage height varies with shade, moisture and maintenance |
| Foliage | Small, soft green leaves with a rounded to kidney-shaped appearance |
| Rooting habit | Roots develop at nodes along spreading stems |
| Flowers | Small, inconspicuous pale greenish-yellow flowers |
| Flowering period | Throughout the year under suitable conditions, mainly spring and summer |
| Position | Partial shade preferred; full sun with adequate moisture |
| Soil | Moist, suitably drained soil; adaptable to loam, sandy soil and clay where drainage is adequate |
| Frost tolerance | Tolerates light frost once established; protect young seedlings |
| Dry-weather care | Water during extended dry periods to maintain healthy foliage and coverage |
| Traffic tolerance | Occasional light foot traffic once established |
| Uses | Lawn alternatives, stepping-stone areas, garden borders, suitable orchard floors, living mulch, soil-protecting groundcover and containers |
Why Grow Dichondra Repens?
- Creates a soft carpet of attractive green foliage.
- Offers a lawn alternative for lightly used garden areas.
- Useful around paving, stepping stones and garden edges.
- Can provide living groundcover beneath suitable orchard trees.
- Established foliage shades soil and can help reduce surface evaporation.
- Dense coverage can limit some weed growth and protect bare soil.
- Useful as a permanent living mulch in suitable no-dig gardens.
- Usually requires little or no mowing when grown naturally.
How to Grow Dichondra Repens from Seed
Dichondra can be direct-sown or raised in trays before planting out. No special soaking or scarification is generally required. Sow when soil is warm and consistent moisture can be maintained.
- Prepare the site. Remove weeds and competing grass. Create a fine, reasonably level seedbed with suitable drainage.
- Water before sowing. Moisten dry soil evenly without leaving it saturated.
- Distribute seed evenly. Broadcast over the prepared area, following the sowing rate recommended for the supplied seed.
- Cover lightly. Rake in gently or cover with fine soil or seed-raising mix to approximately 5 mm deep.
- Firm the surface. Press or roll lightly to improve seed-to-soil contact.
- Maintain moisture. Water gently and prevent the seed zone from drying during germination.
- Protect young plants. Continue weed control and keep foot traffic away until useful coverage develops.
Germination commonly begins within approximately 7–14 days under favourable conditions, but allow around 7–21 days or longer where temperature and moisture vary. Warm soil around 18–24°C supports germination.
Sowing Rate and Seed Coverage
Seed quantities depend on the supplied seed form, planting purpose and desired density. Coated and uncoated seed contain different amounts of seed per gram, so their coverage figures should not be used interchangeably.
| Planting Purpose | Quantity Guidance |
|---|---|
| Groundcover / Lawn Alternative | Use the recommended rate for the supplied seed and the required coverage density. |
| Denser Establishment | Use the upper end of the supplier’s recommended range where appropriate. |
| Orchards / Pathways / Living Mulch | Calculate quantities for the actual area to be planted, excluding paths and areas kept clear around trees. |
| Larger Landscape Areas | Confirm the seed rate before ordering and allow for site preparation and establishment conditions. |
Seed Quantity Guide
Once the recommended sowing rate is confirmed, calculate seed requirements using:
Area in square metres × sowing rate in grams per square metre = seed required in grams.
Divide a pack’s weight in grams by the recommended rate to estimate its coverage. One hectare equals 10,000 m².
Coverage is an estimate rather than a guarantee. Increasing the seed rate cannot compensate for poor drainage, unsuitable conditions or uncontrolled weeds.
Dichondra Repens as a Lawn Alternative
Dichondra produces a leafy carpet rather than an upright grassy turf. It is useful where a softer, informal surface is preferred and the area receives occasional light use.
Use stepping stones along regularly walked routes. Heavy traffic, sports activities and repeated trampling can wear the planting, particularly while young or when the soil is wet.
Dichondra as a Living Mulch
Dichondra can provide permanent living cover around suitable garden beds and beneath established trees. Its foliage shades the soil surface and adds plant cover where bare ground would otherwise remain.
In no-dig and regenerative gardens, it is generally used as a long-term living cover rather than a crop grown for digging in as green manure. It is not a nitrogen-fixing legume.
Manage spreading growth around vegetables and young plants to limit competition for water and nutrients. Leave space where crops need a clear planting area.
Dichondra for Orchard Floors and Under Trees
Dichondra can grow beneath suitable fruit trees and open tree canopies where light and moisture are sufficient. It creates low vegetation without the height of taller groundcover crops.
Keep an area clear around newly planted trees and avoid allowing foliage to crowd the trunk. Account for competition from tree roots, and provide irrigation where needed.
Soil Protection and Weed Management
Established groundcover can help protect the soil surface from direct exposure and reduce some surface erosion. Its value depends on how well the planting establishes and the conditions of the site.
Dense foliage can limit some weed emergence, but young Dichondra needs careful weed control. It should not be relied on to overcome established grass or aggressive weeds.
On steep slopes or sites with concentrated runoff, additional erosion-control measures may be needed.
Flowers and Foliage
Dichondra is grown mainly for its small, rounded to kidney-shaped green leaves. Tiny pale greenish-yellow flowers may appear throughout the year, mainly during spring and summer.
Where to Grow Dichondra Repens
- Low-traffic lawn alternatives.
- Garden pathways with stepping stones.
- Spaces between pavers.
- Partly shaded garden borders.
- Suitable orchard floors and beneath open trees.
- Managed living mulch around garden beds.
- Sheltered courtyards and native gardens.
- Containers and hanging baskets.
When to Sow Dichondra Repens Seeds in Australia
Dichondra can be grown in a range of Australian climates. Choose sowing conditions with warm soil and reliable moisture, rather than relying on the calendar alone. These periods are general guides.
| Climate Zone | Suitable Sowing Period | Growing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cool | Late spring to early summer once soil warms | Protect young seedlings from frost and allow establishment before cold weather. |
| Temperate / Mild Coastal | Spring to early autumn while conditions are suitable | Avoid cold soil and extreme heat; maintain moisture during establishment. |
| Subtropical | Spring or autumn; mild winter periods where soil remains warm | Avoid extreme summer heat and prevent the seedbed from drying out. |
| Tropical | Milder periods with controlled watering | Maintain moisture during dry weather and avoid waterlogging or seed washout during heavy rain. |
| Arid / Semi-arid | Mild, warm periods with reliable irrigation | Rain alone may not sustain establishment. Provide water and protection from drying winds. |
Care and Maintenance
- Keep the seedbed moist during germination and early establishment.
- Water established plants during extended dry periods to maintain coverage.
- Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
- Control weeds while plants are young and coverage is developing.
- Trim spreading edges around beds and pathways as needed.
- Allow light clippings to remain only where they will not smother foliage.
- Avoid heavy foot traffic, especially during establishment.
- If occasional mowing is required, avoid scalping or removing excessive foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dichondra Repens a grass?
No. It is a broadleaf perennial groundcover belonging to the family Convolvulaceae.
Can Dichondra grow in full sun?
Yes, where adequate moisture is available. Partial shade is particularly useful in hot or drying conditions.
Does Dichondra need mowing?
Usually little or no mowing is needed. Occasional light mowing can maintain a more uniform appearance.
Can I walk on Dichondra?
Established plants can tolerate occasional light foot traffic. Use paving or stepping stones for frequently walked routes.
Can Dichondra be used as living mulch?
Yes, in suitable managed plantings. Keep it clear of young crops and tree trunks, and account for competition for moisture and nutrients.
Does Dichondra suppress weeds?
Dense established coverage can limit some weed growth. Remove competing weeds before sowing and continue weed control during establishment.
Does Dichondra tolerate frost?
Established plants tolerate light frost, although foliage may be damaged by cold conditions. Protect emerging seedlings.
Is Dichondra a green manure crop?
It is generally used as permanent living cover rather than a short-term crop for incorporation into soil. It does not fix nitrogen.
Quick Growing Guide
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial creeping groundcover |
| Best Uses | Lawn alternatives, stepping-stone areas, suitable orchards, living mulch and soil protection |
| Germination | Approximately 7–21 days, depending on conditions |
| Sowing Depth | Cover lightly, approximately 5 mm |
| Sunlight | Partial shade preferred; full sun with adequate moisture |
| Water Needs | Consistent moisture during establishment; water during extended dry periods |
| Growth Habit | Low, spreading and mat-forming |
| Traffic Tolerance | Occasional light foot traffic once established |
| Maintenance | Trim edges, manage weeds and mow lightly only if desired |
Grow Dichondra Repens from Seed
With its soft green foliage and spreading habit, Dichondra Repens provides practical groundcover for suitable gardens, orchard areas and low-traffic landscapes.
Prepare the site carefully, sow shallowly and maintain reliable moisture while seedlings establish. Once coverage develops, manage spreading edges and water during dry weather to keep the planting healthy.
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