Plant Growth Regulators are one of the turf world’s best-kept secrets. They can significantly reduce your lawn’s mowing needs during periods of rapid growth, freeing up those weekends that would otherwise be spent behind the mower. But when’s the right time to start applying a PGR? Is it too early in the season? Let’s find out…
Skip to: How Does a Plant Growth Regulator Work? When Should I Apply Primo? Application Rates for Primo HG, How Do I Apply Primo HG to My Lawn? How Long Will Primo HG Last on My Lawn? Needing to Slow Down the Growth of Your Hedges?
How Does a Plant Growth Regulator Work?
Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) like the smaller, more affordable Primo PGR works by reducing the length and size of the stems, stolons (above-ground runners) and leaves in the above-ground parts of the turf. The smaller leaves and shorter internodes on the stolons result in much less physical upward growth and thus reduce mowing and clipping removal by 20 to 50%. (Reference – Syngenta.)
Primo is now available in a smaller, more affordable 500ml bottle, suitable for domestic use on the home lawn.
When Should I Apply Primo?
When using a PGR, as it will reduce your lawn’s growth rate, it is best only to apply it when the turf is growing at its fastest rate throughout the warmer months of the year. It is not recommended to apply when the grass is either going into or is heading out of dormancy, as the plant’s growth rate will naturally be slow and growth regulation is not needed.
It is also not recommended to use a PGR when turf is recovering from wear, renovation or turf is affected by disease or other stressors.
When looking to apply a PGR, ensure the grass has left dormancy first. You will notice this once your lawn has needed regular mowing to keep up with growth, and once temperatures have been consistently warmer in your location.
Application Rates for Applying Primo HG
When applying Primo at the start of the season, it is best to use the lower end of the application rate, and then as you reapply as the growing season progresses, move to a higher application rate. This also goes for the end of the season and lowering your application rate.
The application rate of Primo HG will depend on your lawn type. You can view the recommended application rate for your lawn type here.
How Do I Apply Primo to My Lawn?
When applying Primo HG, it is best to apply through a knapsack or pressure sprayer. It is also recommended to calibrate your sprayer before application for best results to find out how much water to use.
Alternatively, you can use 10L of water and evenly spray your tank mix over 100m2.
How Long Will Primo HG Last on My Lawn?
Primo HG provides up to 4–6 weeks of growth regulation, though factors such as temperature and application rate can influence how long it will remain active.
Needing to Slow Down the Growth of Your Hedges?
Did you know that there also is a product you can use to help slow down the growth of hedges as well? Trimmit is a growth regulator for hedges, helping you achieve a better-looking, more uniform hedge with less maintenance. At the same time, Trimmit will improve the hedges’ drought tolerance, promote denser foliage and deeper green colour.
For more lawn care tips and advice, make sure you check out our other lawn care blogs.
