Suited to very fertile, well-drained soils. In favourable conditions the runners spread rapidly, making kikuyu a very suitable species for erosion control. Responds very well to nitrogen fertiliser and irrigation combined with intensive grazing (e.g., strip grazing).

Pastures dominated by kikuyu are unsuitable for horses.

Ryegrass or oats are often direct drilled into established kikuyu to provide a year-round feed supply. White clover or Kenya clover (far North Coast only) are the main companion legumes used, with lotus also used on suitable soil types. Do not use in mixtures of grasses. Sow or plant in spring to early summer or late summer to early autumn, depending on the district.