How To Plant, Grow And Care For Bermuda Grass

Also known as Cynodon dactylon, Bermuda grass is a perennial warm-season turfgrass originating from Africa, specifically the savannas and tropical regions. It features fine-textured, dark green blades and typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches.

Despite its small size, Bermuda grass has an extensive network of stolons and rhizomes that allows it to spread rapidly across large areas. This quick growth rate makes this grass an invasive species that poses a threat to local plant species by outcompeting them for resources.

Moreover, the Bermuda grass's significance in human society is apparent from the fact that we've been cultivating it for over 2,000 years. Likewise, the plant's ability to thrive under heavy foot traffic make it a popular choice for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses.

Overall, the Bermuda grass’s introduction to Western landscapes highlights its contribution in providing a green coverage with endurance to various environmental conditions.

Growing Bermuda grass from seeds is highly effective as it establishes quickly and flourishes in warm climates. The seeds typically germinate within 7 to 21 days, and the grass can reach a mature state in about 60 to 90 days under optimal conditions.

The Bermuda grass is relatively low maintenance once established. However, gardeners will still need to provide regular mowing, occasional fertilization, and adequate sunlight for the plant to grow to its full capacity.

Moreover, its resilience and ability to recover from damage make it a preferred choice for lawns and sports fields.

Preparation

Before planting Bermuda grass, thorough preparation is essential for successful establishment. Follow these steps to learn the best way of preparing for planting sessions.

1. Select a well-drained and sunny location with access to full sunlight.
2. Clear the area of any existing vegetation, rocks, and debris.
3. Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches to ensure good aeration and root penetration.
4. Test the soil pH; aim for a range of 6.0 to 7.5.
5. Apply a starter fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for seed germination and early growth.
6. Level the soil and create a smooth, firm seedbed by rolling or tamping the surface lightly.

Planting Bermuda Seed

Planting these seeds is pretty straightforward. It can easily be planted and grown even by novice gardeners.

Just follow these simple steps and you're good to go.

• Sow the Seeds: Evenly distribute Bermuda grass seeds over the prepared soil at a rate of about 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
• Rake Lightly: Lightly rake the soil to ensure the seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil. The layer should not be deeper than 1/8 inch, to improve seed-to-soil contact.
• Water: Gently water the seeded area immediately after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, typically 7 to 21 days.
• Mulch (Optional): Apply a light layer of straw or mulch to retain moisture and protect seeds from being washed away or eaten by birds.
• Maintain Moisture: Continue to water lightly and frequently, around 2-3 times a day. Then, gradually reduce the frequency as the seedlings grow.
• First Mowing: Once the grass reaches about 2 inches in height, mow it to a height of 1 to 1.5 inches. Make sure the mower blades are sharp to prevent pulling out young plants.
• Regular Care: Transition to a regular watering schedule, deeply watering once or twice a week. Begin fertilization after the grass has been mowed a few times, using a balanced fertilizer.

Determining the right time to plant Bermuda grass is crucial as it can impact the plant's health and growth. It's best to wait until warmer months to promoting rapid seed germination.

Planting too early can result in poor germination and slow growth, leaving the seeds vulnerable to disease and competition from weeds. Conversely, planting too late in the season may not give the grass enough time to establish before cooler temperatures set in.

Consider these factors to determine the best time for seeding Bermuda grass:

Best Season For Planting

Planting Bermuda seeds during late spring to early summer significantly enhances the plant's survival rate. During this time, the conditions are ideal for vigorous growth.

Warm weather ensures the grass establishes quickly, developing strong roots and dense coverage before cooler temperatures arrive.

Best Months For Planting

Late April to early June is considered to be the ideal time to seed the Bermuda grass. The longer daylight hours of late spring and early summer are extremely beneficial for the survival of the vulnerable seeds.

Additionally, these months also offer sufficient rainfall, reducing the need for frequent irrigation. Planting during this period allows the grass to develop strong roots and dense coverage before facing the heat stress of mid-summer.

Temperature Range For Planting Bermuda Seed

Plant these seeds when the temperature reaches the range of  65-70°F(18-24°C). This temperature range is perfect for germination because it ensures that the soil is warm enough to stimulate the enzymatic activities necessary for seed sprouting.

At these temperatures, the metabolic processes within the seeds are activated, leading to quicker and more uniform germination. Additionally, warm soil temperatures support the rapid development of roots and shoots.

• Bermuda Seeds Planting Season: Late Spring To Early Summer
• Months: Late April to Early June
• Temperature: 65-70°F (18-24°C)

Propagating Bermuda Grass from sprigs is another effective method of growing this perennial shrub. This technique is primarily used to establish resilient lawns and sports fields quickly. Grass grown from sprigs normally results in a denser and more uniform turf compared to seeding

Unlike seeding, which requires waiting for seeds to germinate and fill in, sprigging involves planting small sections of mature Bermuda grass plants directly into prepared soil. This technique accelerates the growth process, as the sprigs already have developed root systems that can take hold and spread rapidly.

Prepare Soil Bed For Sprigging

• Start by clearing the area of weeds, rocks, and debris.
• Till the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches to improve aeration and root penetration.
• Smooth and level the soil surface with a rake, allowed it to be firm but not compacted.
• If necessary, amend the soil with organic matter or a balanced fertilizer to provide nutrients for initial growth.
• Create furrows or rows spaced about 6-12 inches apart.
• Keep the soil moist during and after planting to encourage rapid establishment and growth of the sprigs.

Sprigging Method:

Once you have prepared the soil bed, you can move on with these following steps:

1. Obtain Bermuda Grass Sprigs: Purchase Bermuda grass sprigs from a reputable nursery or prepare them by cutting mature Bermuda grass into small sections (2-3 inches long) containing both roots and shoots.
2. Planting: Place the Bermuda grass sprigs into the furrows or rows, spacing them evenly apart. Press them firmly into the soil to ensure good contact between the sprigs and the soil.
3. Watering: Immediately after planting, water the sprigs thoroughly to settle them into the soil and encourage root establishment. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the initial establishment phase.
4. Fertilization: About 4-6 weeks after planting, apply a balanced fertilizer according to package instructions to promote healthy growth. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers initially as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.
5. Maintenance: Regularly water the newly planted sprigs to keep the soil moist until they are well established. Gradually reduce watering frequency as the Bermuda grass becomes established. Begin mowing once the grass reaches a height of 2-3 inches, ensuring not to remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
6. Monitor and Care: Monitor the plant for pests, diseases, and weeds. Address any issues promptly to maintain a healthy lawn or turf.

Bermuda grass is primarily favored for lawns due to its self-healing ability. This means it can recover quickly from damage caused by foot traffic, pets, or environmental stressors like drought. Its dense growth and spreading nature also help in filling in bare patches.

For the average American homeowner, Bermuda grass is relatively low maintenance once established. On average, about 1-2 hours per week may be spent on basic care tasks such as mowing, watering, and occasional fertilization.

Mowing

During the peak growing season, mow the Bermuda grass every  5-7 days. As growth slows in cooler months, mowing frequency can be reduced to every 10-14 days.

Maintain the lawn at a height of 1 to 1.5 inches. Meanwhile, you can adjust the height slightly higher (up to 2 inches) during periods of drought or heat stress to help the grass retain moisture and protect the roots.

Similarly, the effectiveness of mowing also depends on the blade you use. Use a sharp rotary mower with a mulching blade or a reel mower for Bermuda grass. A sharp blade allows for a clean cut that aids in reducing the risk of disease. Also, avoid more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time.

Watering

Watering Bermuda grass lawn is a crucial part of its care routine, the frequency of which depends on factors such as temperature, rainfall, and soil type. Generally, this plant requires about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. However, during hot and dry periods, it may need more frequent watering.

When watering, provide enough water to penetrate the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to encourage deep root growth. Water deeply and infrequently to promote drought tolerance and discourage shallow root development.

Moreover, Bermuda grass is typically tolerant of a wide range of water sources. Tap water is generally suitable unless it is excessively high in salts or minerals. Likewise, rainwater is also a good choice as it is naturally pure and lacks the chemicals found in treated water.

Fertilizing

Bermuda grass requires a high-nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes vigorous green growth. A suitable fertilizer should have a nutrient ratio of approximately 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 (N-P-K), ensuring ample nitrogen(N), moderate phosphorus P), and potassium(K).

Additionally, micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and manganese can enhance color and overall turf health.

Apply about 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet each month during the active growing season. This means fertilizing every 4-6 weeks. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth and increased mowing, while under-fertilizing can result in weak, sparse turf.

To apply, spread the fertilizer evenly using a drop spreader; make sure to strictly follow the product's instructions. Water the lawn after fertilization to help nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the roots.

Regular fertilization ensures a dense, green Bermuda grass lawn that can withstand environmental stress.

Bermuda Lawn Care Mistakes To Avoid

1. Overwatering: Too much water can lead to shallow root growth and increased susceptibility to diseases. Water deeply but infrequently for the plant's safety.
2. Mowing Too Low: Cutting too short can stress the grass and make it more prone to weeds and diseases. Maintain a mowing height of 1 to 1.5 inches.
3. Infrequent Mowing: Allowing Bermuda grass to grow too tall between mowings can lead to scalping when you finally mow. Regularly mow the lawn, ideally every 5-7 days during the growing season.
4. Ignoring Thatch Buildup: Thatch can prevent water, nutrients, and air from reaching the soil. Dethatch your lawn if the thatch layer exceeds 0.5 inches.
5. Neglecting Soil Health: Failing to test and amend the soil can lead to poor growth. Regular soil testing and proper amendments help the grass get the necessary nutrients.
6. Ignoring Pests and Diseases: Early detection and treatment of pests and diseases are crucial. Regularly inspect your lawn and address issues promptly to maintain a healthy turf.