Spartan Herbicide

Every winter the same weeds come back. And by the time you see them, it's too late.

Winter grass through the lawn by July. Summer grass and crab grass taking over in the warmer months. You spray them once they appear, but they have already seeded, and next season they are back worse than before. Chasing weeds after they germinate is a losing battle.

The answer is to stop them before they start.

What it does

A pre-emergent herbicide containing 480g/L Prodiamine. Spartan does not kill weeds you can see. It prevents the next generation from ever establishing. After application and watering in, Prodiamine binds to the top layer of soil and creates a zone of herbicide activity. When weed seeds germinate within that zone, root development is blocked and the seedling dies before it emerges. Established turf is unaffected because its roots sit well below the herbicide zone. One or two applications a year keeps most lawns clear of grassy weeds for the season.

Active constituent: 480g/L Prodiamine. Unscheduled, exempt from poison scheduling.

What it controls

Winter grass (Poa annua), Summer grass, Crab grass, Crowsfoot grass, Barnyard grass, African lovegrass, Parramatta grass, and Rat's tail fescue.

Safe on established couch, buffalo, kikuyu, zoysia, carpet grass, Queensland blue couch, Bahia grass and seashore paspalum.

Application rate

10 to 30ml per 100m2 in 2 to 5L of water, using a backpack or garden sprayer. Use the higher rate (30ml) for up to 6 months residual protection or high weed pressure. Use the lower rate (10ml) for standard situations. Water in thoroughly after application. Avoid mowing for 2 days before and after. Do not apply to stressed or water-deficient turf.

Application schedule: April, before winter grass germinates. September, before summer grass and crab grass germinate.

One 500ml bottle covers up to 5,000m2 at the lower rate.

What to expect

Spartan produces no visible result, and that is how you know it is working. A lawn treated in April shows significantly less winter grass through June and July compared to untreated areas. The difference becomes obvious when you compare a treated lawn to a neighbour's, or when you see your own lawn the following season after a full year on the program.

At the lower rate expect 4 months residual protection. At the higher rate expect up to 6 months. A repeat application may be needed in high pressure situations or extended germination periods.

Why timing is everything with a pre-emergent

Spartan has to be down before the weed seeds germinate. Applied too late, after winter grass has already emerged, it does nothing to the existing plants. This is the single most common mistake with pre-emergent herbicides. The two windows in the Turf and Surf program, April and September, are timed to put the herbicide zone in place before the two main germination flushes. Miss the window and you wait until next season.

Complete the program

Spartan stops grassy weeds germinating. A thick, healthy lawn is the long-term defence, dense turf leaves no bare soil for weed seeds to establish in the first place.

View the Starter Pack: Soak, Vital, and Surge for $172
View the Full Routine Bundle: all 5 products for $282

Frequently asked questions

Will Spartan kill the weeds already in my lawn?
No. Spartan is a pre-emergent, it prevents germination. It will not affect weeds already growing. Treat existing weeds first with a post-emergent like Bow and Arrow, then apply Spartan to stop the next generation.

Is Spartan safe on buffalo grass?
Yes. Spartan is registered for buffalo and all other common Australian turf varieties including couch, kikuyu, zoysia and carpet grass.

When is the best time to apply for winter grass?
April is the target window in Queensland and New South Wales. Winter grass germinates as soil temperatures drop in autumn. Applying before that germination creates the herbicide zone in time. Applying after winter grass has emerged is too late for that season.

Can I apply Spartan and my liquid products on the same day?
Yes. Apply Spartan first, water it in, then apply your liquid program once the surface is dry. Do not tank-mix Spartan with other products.

How much product do I need?
At the 30ml rate, one 500ml bottle covers approximately 1,666m2. At the 10ml rate, up to 5,000m2. For a standard suburban lawn, one bottle covers multiple applications.

Is Spartan safe for children and pets?
Yes. Spartan is unscheduled and exempt from poison scheduling. Keep children and pets off the lawn until the product is watered in and the surface is dry, typically 1 to 2 hours.

Do I need protective equipment?
No PPE is required. Standard care applies, avoid contact with eyes and skin and wash hands after handling.

View the complete 12-month Turf & Surf program guide →