Spartan Pre-Emergent Herbicide 500mL provides preventative control of winter grass and other listed grassy weeds in established lawns and turf. Manufactured by Turf Culture, it contains 480 g/L prodiamine and targets developing weed seedlings before they establish. It is suitable for seasonal weed prevention in the lawn types listed below.
Weeds Controlled
When applied before germination according to the label, Spartan provides pre-emergent control of:
- Winter Grass (Poa annua)
- Summer Grass
- Crab Grass
- Crowsfoot Grass
- African Lovegrass
- Parramatta Grass
- Barnyard Grass
- Bahia Grass
- Kentucky Blue Grass
- Rat’s Tail Fescue
- Paspalum
Spartan does not kill established weeds. Existing weeds must be removed or controlled separately before treatment.
Features and Benefits
- Summer and winter weed prevention: Targets a range of seasonal grassy weeds before they establish.
- Residual protection: Provides control for up to six months, depending on weed pressure and seasonal conditions.
- Helps reduce future weed problems: Preventing target weeds from establishing helps limit further seed production and competition with the lawn.
- Supports lawn growth: Reduces competition from grassy weeds for nutrients and sunlight.
- Preventative lawn management: Can reduce reliance on herbicides used to treat weeds after they emerge.
- Low-odour liquid concentrate: Dilutes with water for application using a calibrated sprayer.
- Wetting-agent compatibility: Can be used with suitable soil wetting agents as directed on the product label.
- Flexible watering-in: Allows incorporation within seven days, provided this occurs before weed germination.
How Spartan Works
Spartan creates a treated zone in the soil that inhibits root development in susceptible germinating weeds. Established warm-season lawns have developed roots extending beyond this zone. Even spray coverage and correct watering-in are essential to position the herbicide effectively and prevent gaps in weed control.
Suitable Lawn Types
Suitable for established buffalo, kikuyu, common couch, hybrid couch, Queensland blue couch, zoysia, Bahia grass, carpet grass and seashore paspalum when used according to the label. Confirm your lawn species before treatment.
Product Specifications
- Brand: Turf Culture
- Pack size: 500mL
- Active ingredient: 480 g/L prodiamine
- Formulation: Suspension concentrate (SC)
- Herbicide group: Group 3, formerly Group D
- Poison scheduling: Unscheduled
- Coverage: Treats 1,250m² at the home-garden winter grass rate of 40mL per 100m².
Application Timing and Preparation
Apply before weeds germinate: generally late summer to early autumn for winter grass, and before spring germination for summer grassy weeds. Adjust timing to local conditions and follow the label’s regional guidance.
Clear existing weeds and loose debris, measure the treatment area and calibrate your sprayer. Product quantity is determined by area and target weed; there is no universal mixing rate per litre.
Incorporate with at least 6mm of irrigation or rainfall within seven days and before weed germination. Avoid runoff. Do not apply to stressed or newly established turf.
Keep people and pets off treated areas until the spray has dried. Do not graze treated lawns or feed their clippings to poultry or livestock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Spartan kill existing winter grass or paspalum?
No. Spartan controls susceptible weeds as they germinate. Established winter grass, paspalum and other existing weeds require removal or a suitable separate treatment.
Can I reseed my lawn after applying Spartan?
Spartan can inhibit newly sown lawn seed. The home-garden label requires a minimum interval of 10 months after applying 30mL per 100m², or 13 months after applying 40mL per 100m², before seeding, overseeding or replanting.
Disclaimer: Always read and follow the instructions on the product packaging and/or seek expert advice before use, and do not depend on information on this page that may contain errors or be outdated.