'Kurapia'- Utility Groundcover

Kurapia® may be planted year round, but optimal fill in will occur during the growing season, from March through September. Planting from April (after frost) through June (before the heat of summer) may be considered optimal when possible, but Kurapia® in fact may be planted year round. Best results will come from planting during the growing season, from March through September, though when necessary, Kurapia® may be planted on into late fall and winter. At this time, growth will slow down, and the plantings should be mulched to reduce the incidence of weeds. Kurapia is adapted to USDA climate zones of 7b and higher. In regions where average daily temperatures remain above 45 °F, Kurapia will stay evergreen through winter; however, growth will gradually decrease and enter semi-dormancy when average daily temperatures fall to around 38 °F. Kurapia has been known to survive temperatures as low as 20 °F. These temperatures are provided as estimates, as Kurapia greenness, dormancy, and survival will depend upon specific location and environmental factors.

We provide Kurapia® plugs in a 72 count tray. Plugs are 1½” wide by 2” deep. We generally recommend spacing the plugs on 15” centers; closer spacing will result in faster fill in, and for slopes we recommend planting on 15” centers or less to minimize soil erosion during establishment. Planting on greater than 15” centers is not recommended, delaying fill-in time and allowing for weed pressure in bare areas.

To calculate the number of plugs required for a designated area, take the planting area in square feet and multiply in times the conversion factor of 0.64 (for spacing 15” on center), then divide by 72 (the number of plugs in a tray). For example, for 675 sf, multiply that area x .64: 675 sf x .64 = 432 plugs / 72 = 6 trays.

For efficiency purposes, we do not split plug trays, so if your area of coverage falls between full tray counts, you may choose to round up or down, either closing in the spacing or stretching it out. For example, if your planting area is 525 sf, 525 x .64 = 336 plugs, or 4.66 plug trays. In this case we would recommend rounding up to five trays; the extra plugs may be planted closer together in areas where faster coverage may be desired; for example, sloping areas or a section that may be either in poorer quality soil or in more shade.

While Kurapia® will tolerate a range of soil types, it will establish faster in sandy or sandy loam soils. For heavy clay or compacted, hardpan soils, loosening the top 4” of soil and adding organic matter will help insure adequate aeration and drainage. Taking a bit extra time for preparation is worth it, and will enhance fill-in time!

Prior to planting, all weeds should be removed by hand or killed with a non-selective herbicide. RoundUp (glyphosphate) is one such chemical; consult with your local garden center and follow label instructions. For planting sites that have been neglected and may also have a large population of weed seeds in the soil, use of a pre-emergent herbicide can help reduce weed seedlings that will come naturally when such areas receive irrigation, but pre-emergent herbicides need be applied a good 4 months before Kurapia plug planting so as not to inhibit plug establishment.

If Kurapia® is being used as a lawn replacement and invasive grasses such as Bermuda or Kikuyu are present, but sure to consult with your local garden center or a good internet reference as to how to properly get rid of these invasive grasses, which can spread below ground, above ground, and by seed. Don’t know if you have Bermuda or Kikuyu? Again, you may consult with your local garden center or a good online reference.

Make sure that plugs are well-watered before planting, either by hand watering well or by a brief soaking of the plug trays in a sink or large container.

Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the plug, and about twice as deep. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT; plug soil not surrounded by landscape soil will dry out quickly, reducing chances of survival. Equally important, be sure to place the plug in the bottom of the hole: leaving an air pocket below plugs (no soil contact at base) can lead to plugs drying out severely.

Place plug in hole and lightly pack loose soil around the plug, exposing 90% of the foliage above soil level (see drawing below). Make sure that the whole plug is below soil level to avoid desiccation. It is fine to step lightly on the newly planted plug, to insure good soil contact. We do not recommend mulching at time of plug planting, which can slow down the Kurapia runner growth that spreads between the plugs and fills in these spaces. If mulching is necessary at planting to maintain surface soil moisture during hot summers, see details further below in MULCHING section.

NOTE: Rabbits will find the new Kurapia® plugs just as tasty as a number of other garden plants, and may chew the exposed leaves down to a nub. If it is not practical to provide temporary fencing around the planting area (or perhaps a dog!), See mulch recommendations below.

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