An Overview of Bermuda Grass Seed
Undoubtedly, Bermuda is one of the most widely adopted and important warm-season grasses. Intolerant of shade but extremely heat tolerant, Bermuda grass seed gives rise to dominant sunny lawn grasses prevalent in the hot summer climates of the far west and in the south.
This aggressive, warm-season grass species spreads rapidly above or below ground using its lateral shoots referred to as stolons and rhizomes respectively. In addition, it exhibits excellent drought tolerance during the summer months. In fact, it is so aggressive and durable that US soldiers used it to stabilize airfields in North Africa during World War II and in the Vietnam conflict.
Once Bermuda grass has taken root, it is hard to kill. It is one of the few known warm-season types of grass that can be comfortably taken north. It is recommended for use in Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and the Central California valley.
Sprigs vs. seed
Historically, improvements in Bermuda grass varieties have been a result of two different methods. To begin with, current Bermuda grass seed varieties are improvements in common Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) achieved using conventional techniques in plant selection. Sterile hybrids- initial crosses between African Bermuda grass and common Bermuda (Cynodontransvaalensis) – are used to produce vegetatively planted Bermuda grasses. Since the latter breed does not produce seeds, lawns must be established using stolons, sprigs, or sod and at a considerable expense not to mention time.
However, the exception to the sprigs vs. seed rule is the new variety- Princess Bermuda grass- which is a seed-producing hybrid. It is termed a hybrid due to the selection and arrangement of the seed-producing parents in the fields. A breakthrough in seeded varieties, it produces a fine, darker green turf than that produced by the seeded Cynodon dactylon types.
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Establishment of Lawns
Ideally, seeded Bermuda grass lawns should be planted at a depth of not more than ½ inch and at a rate of 2 lbs/1,000 square feet. Further, watering should be carried out between 2-3 times a day for the first two weeks. Under the right conditions, germination should, therefore, begin in about 7-10 days, and for the process to take its full course, allow for an extra three weeks. Once the new turf has been established, watering should be done less frequently but more deeply. Expect full coverage in 4-6 weeks under ideal conditions.
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Overseeding Dormant Bermuda Grass
Like other turf grasses suited to warm weather, Bermuda grass loses its lush green color during the dormant winter months. Therefore, to achieve a lush lawn all year round, it is advisable to oversee the dormant grass with a perennial ryegrass blend of high quality e.g. the SS9000.
Overseeding should be done about thirty days prior to the first frost when daytime temperatures are near 70 degrees and the night lows are just above 50. This generally ranges between mid-August and late September and is dependent on elevation and latitude. Apply about 15lbs per 1,000 square feet of high-quality ryegrass making sure to water it lightly about thrice a day until it germinates.
While ryegrass is known to die off in springtime, it can become persistent if cool weather prevails. It is thus prudent to suspend fertilizing around March and then lower the cut height to stifle the ryegrass and encourage the underlying Bermuda grass to sprout.
Fertilizer
Unsurprisingly, Bermuda grass is known to require a lot more fertilizer than other warm-season grasses. You should use about 12 lbs of Nitrogen, 9 lbs of potash per 1,000 square feet, and 6 lbs of phosphate. Remember to apply Nitrogen on a monthly basis and no single application should exceed 2 lbs per 1,000 square feet.
Choosing Bermuda Grass
First of all, starting a lawn or filling in dead spots on a lawn can be a real challenge, especially if you have pets. Bermuda grass is actually a very quick-growing breed of grass. In addition, it grows with great vigor and density.
Knowing About Bermudagrass Basics
Bermudagrass is indigenous to tropical and nations are subtropical. Exactly when it found its way to the U.S. is unclear, but documents dating right back to 1807 show it ended up being already established as one of the primary grasses in southern states.1 Bermudagrass is a warm-season that is perennial, meaning it comes down back every year and grows many actively from belated spring through the hot summer months.
Bermudagrass is more sensitive to cold temperatures than warm-season Zoysia grass or cool-season grasses, such as turf-type fescue that is tall. This lack of cool tolerance prevents its WIDESPREAD use north of the region that is grass-growing pros refer to as the “transition zone.” South of that region, from the Atlantic across southern states into California, Bermudagrass is a lawn choice that is leading.
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Bermuda grass flourishes in sites with complete, direct sun and drainage which is great. This has heat that is superior to salt and humidity tolerance and, unlike Centipede grass, is very drought tolerant, too. Although the bulk of Bermuda’s roots stay within 6 inches of the surface, they can reach 6 legs or more in-depth.1 This root that is considerably provides more resilience against ecological stresses than other warm-season grasses.
Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Bermudagrass, 20 lb
Tackifier Reduces Seed Wash-Away – Even Grows in Scorching Heat – Covers up to 445 sq. ft
- EZ Seed Patch & Repair Bermudagrass by Scott is a revolutionary planting product that guarantees sowing success.
- Scotts’s unique combination of high-yield seeds, premium continuous-release lawn food, and Scotts super-absorbent growing material allows grass to grow anywhere, guaranteed!
- Scott EZ Seed has a tackifier to reduce seed washing in sloping areas of your lawn. Use this EZ Seed product to protect against harsh southern conditions such as scorching heat and dry areas.
How to Care for Bermuda Grass
With warm-season grasses, month-by-month lawn care occurs on a various timetable than cool-season, northern grasses that peak during fall. Bermuda is better planted in springtime, following the final frost, as warm-season grasses leave dormancy and enter growth that is prime. Overseeding current Bermudagrass lawns with additional Bermudagrass can be performed at additionally this time.
Because of its growth that is aggressive rate Bermudagrass’s care can require more maintenance than other grasses. Monthly fertilization might be needed during peak growth. Similarly, it may be essential to mow twice per week during this time period to keep Bermuda at its height which is recommended to be 1 1/2 inches for home lawns. Though the grass is drought tolerant, Bermuda will go dormant during periods of extended drought. Provide it 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water from rain or irrigation that is supplemental to avoid summer dormancy.
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Growing Best Law From Bermuda Grass Seeds
Bermuda grass Seeds grow best whenever soil pH is between 5.8 and 7.0, but it shall tolerate more alkaline conditions.2 In areas with over soil that are acidic regular applications of lime can be had a need to keep pH at optimal levels for nutrient availability. Centipede grass may be an alternative that is great in those areas. Soil evaluation will expose if your yard is bermudagrass needs or other soil amendments to flourish.
If your plans demand a hardcore, durable, and wear-resistant warm-season lawn that withstands heat and drought, Bermudagrass could be the solution that is perfect. Pennington is dedicated to producing the lawn seed that is the finest and premium lawn care product possible and assists you in learning, developing, and having a healthy, lush, attractive lawn.
So when you are trying to start a lawn or fill in bare spots, quick and vigorous growth is exactly what you are after. In fact, if you don’t edge your Bermuda grass properly it will even grow into flower beds and other places you may not want it to grow.
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermudagrass, 5 lb
Built to stand up to scorching heat and drought
- Scott’s Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermudagrass is ideal for lawns facing long periods of scorching heat and drought from the south. This seed mix is spread aggressively to grow a thick and durable lawn.
- Each seed is wrapped in a unique WaterSmart Plus 4-in-1 coating that absorbs twice as much water as uncoated seeds, feeds on essential nutrients, and protects seedlings from disease.
- Grow faster, thicker, and Greengrass. Guaranteed.
Denser Turf
Secondly, Bermuda grass produces a dense turf with a fine texture. That makes it perfect for a yard where you are going to have children playing or pets roaming. Bermuda grass has a fine texture and gives a soft surface for your family to enjoy.
It is a great grass for almost any lawn in any hot weather area, especially for family and pets. Because of this, your Bermuda grass lawn will rarely have weed problems. You will likely want to apply a crabgrass prevention formula on your lawn a couple of times a year, but it is rarely a problem with Bermuda.
Rugged
Third, Bermuda grass is very wear-resistant. The turf produced with Bermuda grass is one that can endure a lot, which makes it fairly low maintenance. It is a popular breed of grass for use on golf courses since it is so durable and resilient. It can also be found being used on soccer, football, and baseball fields as well. It can and should be cut fairly short, which also makes great grass for keeping in manicured condition.
Fourth, Bermuda is great in heat and drought conditions. During times of low water production or high heat, it is a hardy grass that will survive most of the time.
Even to keep it at its best, you need only to give your Bermuda grass lawn around two inches of water per week. That is another reason that it is so commonly used with golf courses and on athletic fields of all kinds. Hot climates are prone to drought and high heat, so Bermuda grass is the perfect choice for you if that is the type of climate in which you live.
Best Lawn Choice Seeds with Low Maintenance
The fifth is a culmination of all the other reasons, but that makes it as important as any: Bermuda grass maintenance (care with low maintenance). It grows quickly, so once you seed it you only have to keep up a daily watering regimen for a short time. Bermuda grows thick and fine turf which makes it hardy and able to withstand a lot of use by children, pets, and the entire family.
Also, Bermuda grass can withstand drought conditions very well. On top of it, all is the fact that it will go dormant in winter so that even living in a hot climate you will not have to mow your lawn 12 months a year. Overall, it is a great grass for your lawn, golf course, athletic field, or really anywhere you want to be covered by lawn grass in a warm environment.
Scotts EZ Seed Bermudagrass – 3.75 lb.
Combination Mulch, Bermudagrass Seed, and Fertilizer
- Scott’s (R) Turf Builder Grass Seed Dense Shade Mix, is an exclusive blend of color-tolerant and self-healing grasses. This blend is ideal for planting around or under dense trees and grows in just 3 hours of sunlight.
- Each seed is wrapped in a unique Water Smart Plus coating to make it thicker and greener than grass grown from normal seeds so you can succeed, guaranteed.
Disadvantages
You should be aware that there are a couple of minor drawbacks to having Bermuda grass on your lawn, though they are far outweighed by the positives. As mentioned before, it can grow into your garden or flower bed if you do not edge it well.
Also, it should be mowed fairly often to be kept at an around one-half inch in length. It also needs full sun, so if you have a shady yard, it is not for you. Lastly, you will have to remove thatch regularly when dealing with Bermuda grass.
Growing and caring for a yard can be a really prideful thing. If you live in a warm climate and want a lawn with a hard tough reputation, Bermuda grass is going to be your best bet. Take a page from the golf course and baseball field management teams and plant Bermuda grass in your hot sunny climate.
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