When to plant zoysiagrass in Maryland?
By LawnYear editorial team · Published · Updated Windows are read from the extension publications listed under Sources; the dates are approximate.
The answer
Seed zoysiagrass in Maryland from May 20 to Jun 10, per University of Maryland Extension (2026). Plant plugs, seed or sod in late May to early June, with late May best in central Maryland (shown as May 20 to June 10, this site's reading). The page lists 1 lb of zoysia seed per 1,000 sq ft but says starting zoysia from seed is challenging and not recommended because of cost, limited availability and unreliable germination; plugs or sod are the usual route.
Full calendar: Maryland lawn care calendar · Zoysiagrass in other states · Lawn schedule by ZIP
Approximate dates for your state. Check with your local cooperative extension office before you act.
All Maryland windows for zoysiagrass
The Maryland calendar on this site lists seeding May 20 to Jun 10 and fertilizing May 20 to Jun 30 for zoysiagrass.
Where the dates come from
University of Maryland Extension: Lawn Maintenance Calendar (2026); seasonal timing for tall fescue, fine fescue and zoysia, page updated March 16, 2026. Gives seasons and months, no nitrogen rates. Read on 2026-10-30. University of Maryland Extension: Starting a New Lawn (2026); seeding rates per 1,000 sq ft by turf type, page updated March 16, 2026. Read on 2026-10-30.
What to check for Maryland
The seeding dates for zoysiagrass above (May 20 to Jun 10) apply to Maryland as a whole, so the north and south of the state are not told apart.
Other grasses in Maryland
For tall fescue and fine fescue, the Maryland calendar gives Aug 15 to Oct 15 for seeding.