Crabgrass (Digitaria horizontalis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Crabgrass on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Poaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Crabgrass
Digitaria horizontalis, commonly known as Jamaican Crabgrass, is a fast-growing annual grass with a prostrate habit, forming dense mats. Its stems can root at the nodes, spreading horizontally and effectively covering the ground. It is ideal for erosion control in warm areas or as a temporary ground cover in gardens with poor soils.
Native range
Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia.
Care tips
It prefers full sun for optimal growth, although it tolerates partial shade. Regular watering is required for establishment, but once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant. It adapts to a wide variety of soils, even poor ones, as long as they have good drainage. The most common mistake is over-seeding, as it can become invasive if not controlled.
How to save a dying Crabgrass
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing leaves or dry tips. Slow or no growth. The plant looks weak and lacks vigor.
- First aid
- Remove competing weeds. Ensure deep but spaced watering, letting the surface dry. If in a pot, check drainage.
- What kills it
- Extreme over or under-watering. Soil compaction preventing root development. Excessive or inadequate fertilization.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the roots are still healthy and there's no severe damage. React quickly to reverse watering and soil issues.