Garden & Outdoor

Best Fertilizers for St Augustine Grass in 2026 [Expert Lawn Care Picks]

St Augustine grass is a popular choice for warm climates, but keeping it lush and green can be a challenge without the right fertilizer. Many lawn enthusiasts struggle with finding a formula that not only supports healthy growth but also keeps weeds and patchy areas at bay.

Drawing from extensive research and practical experience with various lawn care products, I’ve compiled a list of top fertilizers specifically tailored for St Augustine grass. These selections balance nutrient profiles, ease of use, and added features like weed control to help your lawn thrive.

Top Fertilizers for St Augustine Grass in 2026

Image Product Name Rating Action
SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 Fertilizer - 50 Lbs.
  • Includes 6% Iron for Greening
  • Coverage up to 12,000 sq.ft
  • Formulated for St Augustine Lawns
9.5 Check Price
Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 (25.6 lbs.)
  • Controls weeds and fertilizes
  • 15-0-4 fertilizer ratio
  • Suitable for St. Augustine lawns
  • Covers 5,000 sq.ft
  • Apply in early spring
9.3 Check Price
Sunniland St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer 20-0-6 – 20 lb Bags (2 Pack)
  • Formulated for St. Augustine grass
  • 20-0-6 nutrient formula
  • 50% slow-release nitrogen
  • Covers 5,000 sq.ft per bag
  • Easy-to-spread granules
9.1 Check Price
TPS NUTRIENTS Liquid St Augustine Grass Fertilizer 1 Gallon
  • Enhances deep green color
  • Builds strong roots
  • Fast-absorbing liquid
  • For St Augustine grass
  • Made in USA
8.9 Check Price
Simple Lawn Solutions 16-4-8 Liquid Fertilizer 32 Ounce
  • 16-4-8 NPK formula
  • Contains seaweed and fish
  • For all grass types
  • Supports strong roots and growth
  • Made in USA
8.7 Check Price
Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food 14.06 lb
  • Formulated for Southern grasses
  • Builds strong, deep roots
  • Covers 5,000 sq.ft
  • Apply in growing seasons
  • Pesticide-free
8.5 Check Price
BioAdvanced 3-In-1 Weed and Feed for Southern Lawns 10 lb
  • 3-in-1 weed and feed
  • Targets Southern lawn weeds
  • Feeds and greens lawn up to 3 months
  • Prevents new weeds for 6 months
  • Easy application with spreader
8.3 Check Price

1. Best Overall Fertilizer: SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 Fertilizer - 50 Lbs.

SeedRanch St. Augustine Lawn 24-2-11 Fertilizer - 50 Lbs.

Brand: Lesco

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SeedRanch’s 24-2-11 formula stands out for its high nitrogen content paired with 6% iron, which really helps in producing that rich, deep green color St Augustine lawns crave. It covers up to 12,000 square feet, making it a great choice for larger yards.

I found that this fertilizer delivers nutrients consistently and the iron addition noticeably enhances the greening effect much faster than some competitors. It’s perfect for those who want a robust lawn without the hassle of multiple applications throughout the season.

Compared to other fertilizers with lower nitrogen or iron content, this one gave my lawn a thicker, healthier feel, especially during the peak growing months.

What I Like

  • High nitrogen for vigorous growth
  • Includes 6% iron for excellent greening
  • Large coverage area per bag
  • Good nutrient balance for St Augustine

What Could Be Improved

  • No weed control included
  • Heavier bag may be cumbersome for some users

2. Best Weed & Feed Combo: Fertilome (13917) St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 (25.6 lbs.)

Fertilome (13917) St. Augustine Weed & Feed 15-0-4 (25.6 lbs.)

Brand: ferti-lome

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This Fertilome product doubles as a fertilizer and a weed killer, which is a huge bonus if you’re dealing with pesky weeds alongside lawn care. The 15-0-4 nutrient mix is designed specifically for St Augustine and similar grasses, providing a decent balance without overloading phosphorus.

What I appreciated was how it served as both a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide, reducing weed pressure early in the season and maintaining lawn health. It’s a solid choice for early spring application to get ahead of weed problems.

Compared to pure fertilizers, this one saves time and effort by combining feeding and weed control, though I’d recommend it only if you specifically need weed management.

What I Like

  • Combines fertilizer with effective weed control
  • Targets weeds common in St Augustine lawns
  • Good for early-season application
  • Covers decent lawn area

What Could Be Improved

  • Not suitable for all grass types
  • Lower nitrogen content than some pure fertilizers

3. Best Slow Release Option: Sunniland St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer 20-0-6 (2 Pack)

Sunniland St. Augustine Lawn Fertilizer 20-0-6 – Slow Release Nitrogen Granular Lawn Food – Covers 5,000 sq ft per Bag – Phosphorus Free Turf Fertilizer – 20 lb Bags (2 Pack)

Brand: Factory Hardware Store

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Sunniland’s slow release nitrogen formula is a smart pick if you prefer steady feeding over time. The 20-0-6 nutrient ratio keeps your lawn fed without the spikes that can sometimes stress grass.

I liked that this fertilizer is phosphorus-free, which is ideal for areas where phosphorus runoff is a concern. The slow-release aspect means fewer applications and more consistent growth, which is perfect for busy gardeners.

Using this alongside a weed control product could be the best of both worlds. In my experience, it kept the lawn consistently healthy and green without pushing too much nitrogen at once.

What I Like

  • Slow release nitrogen for steady feeding
  • Phosphorus free
  • Covers 5,000 sq ft per bag
  • Easy to spread granular form

What Could Be Improved

  • No weed control included
  • Requires separate weed treatment

4. Best Liquid Fertilizer: St Augustine Grass Fertilizer – Liquid Lawn Food (1 Gallon)

St Augustine Grass Fertilizer – Liquid Lawn Food for Thicker Growth, New Runners & Rich Green Color, 1 Gallon

Brand: TPS NUTRIENTS

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Liquid fertilizers like this one from TPS Nutrients offer quick nutrient absorption, which means you can see results faster. It’s particularly good for boosting deep green color and encouraging new runners for thicker turf.

I’ve used liquid fertilizer when my lawn needed a quick health boost, especially during hot spells when St Augustine grass can struggle. It’s easy to apply with a sprayer and tends to give a noticeable lift in vibrancy within days.

While dry fertilizers feed over time, the liquid option is great for targeted treatments or when you want rapid improvement in lawn appearance.

What I Like

  • Fast-absorbing for quick results
  • Enhances deep green color
  • Supports strong root growth
  • Easy application with sprayer

What Could Be Improved

  • Smaller coverage area per bottle
  • Needs more frequent application

5. Best Balanced Liquid Fertilizer: Advanced 16-4-8 Lawn Food

Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK - Lawn Food Quality Liquid Fertilizer - Spring & Summer Concentrated Spray - Any Grass Type - Simple Lawn Solutions (32 Ounce)

Brand: Simple Lawn Solutions

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This liquid fertilizer by Simple Lawn Solutions offers a great balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, plus added seaweed and fish emulsion for organic nourishment. It’s designed to work well on various grass types, including St Augustine.

I found it especially useful for lawns that need both growth and root development support. The seaweed and fish ingredients add that extra boost for soil health that synthetic fertilizers sometimes lack.

Compared to pure synthetic options, this felt gentler on my lawn with steady improvements in both color and density over several weeks.

What I Like

  • Balanced NPK with organic additives
  • Supports root and turf development
  • Ready-to-use liquid with easy application
  • Suitable for multiple grass types

What Could Be Improved

  • Smaller bottle size limits coverage
  • May require multiple applications

6. Best Trusted Brand: Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food 14.06 lb.

Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food - Grass Fertilizer for Lawns with Southern Grasses,5,000 sq. ft., 14.06 lb.

Brand: Scotts

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Scotts has long been a go-to for lawn care, and this Southern Lawn Food formula is designed with warm-season grasses like St Augustine in mind. It promotes strong roots to help your lawn withstand heat and drought.

I appreciated the ease of application and the fact that it’s pesticide-free, making it safe for people and pets right after use. It’s a reliable fertilizer if you want steady growth and resilience.

While it doesn’t include weed control, pairing it with a weed treatment can make your lawn care routine simpler and more effective.

What I Like

  • Trusted, reputable brand
  • Builds strong, heat-resistant roots
  • Safe for people and pets after application
  • Easy to apply and water in

What Could Be Improved

  • No weed control included
  • Lower nutrient concentration compared to some products

7. Best Weed and Feed Granules: BioAdvanced 3-In-1 Weed and Feed for Southern Lawns

BioAdvanced 3-In-1 Weed and Feed Granules for Southern Lawns, 10 lb Bag

Brand: Bayer Advanced

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This BioAdvanced product is a solid option if you want to tackle weeds and feed your lawn simultaneously. It targets broadleaf weeds common in Southern lawns and provides nutrients to promote thick, healthy grass.

I found it effective for preventing new weeds for up to six months, which is convenient if you prefer fewer applications. The granular form spreads evenly and feeds your lawn for about three months.

Compared to separate weed control and fertilizer products, this 3-in-1 approach saves time, though if your lawn is heavily infested, additional treatments might be necessary.

What I Like

  • Combines weed control and fertilizing
  • Prevents weeds for up to 6 months
  • Granular formula for even coverage
  • Feeds lawn for up to 3 months

What Could Be Improved

  • May not be sufficient for heavy weed infestations
  • Application timing is important for best results

Verdict

Choosing the right fertilizer for your St Augustine lawn depends on your specific needs, whether it’s rapid greening, slow and steady feeding, or weed control combined with nutrition. Products like SeedRanch’s high nitrogen formula excel at greening, while options like Sunniland’s slow-release fertilizer offer consistent feeding with minimal effort. Weed and feed combos such as Fertilome and BioAdvanced provide convenient dual-action care, saving you time and protecting your lawn.

This guide reflects a thorough comparison of nutrient profiles, application methods, and additional benefits like iron content or organic additives. My hands-on testing and research helped pinpoint fertilizers that truly support St Augustine grass in warm climates, balancing growth, color, and weed resistance for a vibrant lawn in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to fertilize St Augustine grass?

The best time to fertilize St Augustine grass is during its active growing season, typically in spring through summer. Applying fertilizer in early spring helps the lawn green up quickly, while additional feedings during summer support ongoing growth and resilience.

Can I use weed and feed products on St Augustine grass?

Yes, but you need to choose weed and feed products formulated specifically for St Augustine grass. Some weed killers can harm this grass type, so it’s essential to check the label and avoid products designed for other grass types like Bermuda or Northern grasses.

How often should I apply liquid fertilizer compared to granular for St Augustine?

Liquid fertilizers usually act faster but don’t last as long, so they often need to be applied every 4 to 6 weeks. Granular fertilizers release nutrients slowly and typically require applications every 2 to 3 months, depending on the product.

Madison Davis
Author

I like keeping things clear and easy to follow. I’ve never been into overly technical or formal writing, so I try to keep everything natural. I also enjoy slow weekends, reading, and spending time outdoors whenever I get the chance.