10 Best Fertilizer Centipede Grass 2026 in the United States

The Jonathan Green Green-Up Lawn Food with Crabgrass Preventer is designed to feed centipede grass effectively while also managing common weeds like crabgrass. Its N-P-K ratio is 20-0-3, providing a high level of nitrogen to promote green, healthy grass growth but containing no phosphorus. This is generally good for established lawns like centipede grass, which often do not require extra phosphorus. The fertilizer releases nutrients slowly over up to three months, helping to reduce the need for frequent applications and providing steady nourishment.

A key strength of this product is its built-in crabgrass prevention, offering both pre-emergent and post-emergent control, which can save effort on separate weed treatments. It is easy to apply with common spreaders and covers a large area (15,000 sq. ft.) per 50-pound bag. It should not be used when seeding new lawns, as it can harm seedlings.

If you want a product that combines feeding and weed control with less frequent applications, this is a practical choice. However, if your lawn needs phosphorus or micronutrients, or you prefer a phosphorus-inclusive formula, you might want to consider other options.

The Fertilome Centipede Lawn Fertilizer is designed specifically for centipede grass, with an N-P-K ratio of 15-0-15, providing a good balance of nitrogen and potassium but no phosphorus. This composition is beneficial since centipede grass often grows well in soils already containing sufficient phosphorus. It uses slow-release nitrogen, which helps deliver nutrients gradually, reducing the chance of burning your lawn and supporting steady growth.

The 16-pound bag covers up to 5,000 square feet, making it suitable for medium-sized yards. The fertilizer suggests application twice a year—in early spring and early fall—at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet, aligning well with typical centipede grass care routines. It does not include added micronutrients like iron or magnesium, and it does not adjust soil pH, so checking your soil’s pH before use is important, as centipede grass prefers slightly acidic soil (around pH 5.0 to 6.0).

This fertilizer is ideal for homeowners with centipede grass who want a straightforward, slow-release formula focusing on nitrogen and potassium without extra micronutrients. If your soil lacks phosphorus or you desire faster greening effects, you might need to consider supplements or alternative products.

Espoma Organic All Season Lawn Food might appeal to those looking for an organic fertilizer option for centipede grass, although centipede grass typically prefers a low-nitrogen formula. It boasts an N-P-K ratio of 9-0-0, providing a significant amount of nitrogen, which is great for promoting a deep green color in most lawns. However, centipede grass typically favors lower nitrogen to maintain its characteristic low-maintenance growth. The absence of phosphorus and potassium aligns with centipede grass's minimal nutrient requirements but might not fully support all its nutrient needs.

The product is slow-release, ensuring that nutrients are gradually dispensed over time, which helps prevent burning and leaching in the soil—a plus for maintaining healthy lawn conditions. Its compatibility with a variety of soils, coupled with being environmentally safe, makes it a versatile choice for different climates and grass types. Moreover, being approved for organic gardening, it adheres to eco-friendly gardening practices.

Espoma recommends applying it in early and late spring and fall using a spreader, which aligns with common lawn care schedules. Covering up to 5,000 square feet, it’s suitable for medium to larger lawns. However, users looking specifically for centipede grass care might need to consider additional solutions to match its low-nutrient preference more closely. While this fertilizer is a popular choice, centipede grass owners need to weigh the high nitrogen content against the unique maintenance needs of their lawn type.