To choose the best buffalo grass seed, you should consider all of the varieties available. The Cody and Bowie varieties are both good for areas where turf grass is desirable. The Texoka and Bison varieties, however, are both forage-type grasses that are better suited to less manicured areas. Beyond the basic types of buffalo grass seed, there are various combinations and preparations of the seeds that you may want to consider as well.
Cody and Bowie buffalo grass seeds are quite similar in their characteristics, though Cody grass tends to be a dark green color, while Bowie grass has more of a medium green hue. They both produce grass that has a low growth height and requires less mowing. They are drought resistant, cold hardy, and produce dense turf. These grasses are best suited for areas that require a manicured look and low maintenance. They can work well for residential lawns as well as public landscaped areas and golf courses.
The Texoka and Bison varieties of buffalo grass seed tend to be less dense and longer than the other types. Texoka seeds will produce grass that does not have a vibrant color but that is especially well suited for areas intended as pasture or prairie land. Bison grass tends to have a dark green appearance. It is often used for erosion control and can be found at industrial sites because of its hardiness. These types of buffalo grass seed tend to be more economical and are generally used in areas where a manicured appearance is not a requirement.
Buffalo grass seed produces a native grass that is desirable for many applications. All of the varieties are quite hardy once established and require less maintenance than other types of grass. Once you have considered the unique characteristics of each of the varieties, you might also want to consider mixtures of the seed. Buffalo grass seed is available in specific mixes of two or more varieties, offering the benefits of both types. Seeds that have been treated for better germination are also available and may result in faster establishment of the grass.
Be sure to consider how you want the grass to look once it is established. Appearance is the biggest difference between each variety and will probably be the deciding factor when choosing a type. You should also consider the kind of climate where the seeds will be planted. All buffalo grass seeds are suitable for growing throughout most of the middle and southern United States. They can withstand cold climates as well as drought conditions but are not recommended in places that are very shady or higher than 5,000 feet (1,524 meters).