In fact, you should not push centipede to make it as green or grow as fast as other turfgrasses. If you do, you will kill it. Centipede is best adapted to eastern North Carolina. In most cases it is subject to winter kill if planted north or west of Wake County. Raleigh is the most cold-tolerant cultivar.
Centipede grows best in full sun but does well in light shade.
The first step in starting a centipede lawn is to get a soil test made and then follow the recommendations. Spread the suggested lime and fertilizer material evenly over the soil surface and then work it into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Rake or harrow the area, leaving it as smooth as possible. Seed or sprig in May, June, or July. Since the seeds are very small, mix them with sand to improve your ability to sow them evenly over the lawn.