Dormant Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grasses become dormant in cold weather. Overseeding in fall with rye grass is a common practice to maintain year-round green color.

However, below the surface it is alive and waiting for warmer weather. Bermuda usually starts to slow down and go dormant in September and starts growing again in May. This life cycle makes it so Bermuda does not have to be replanted each year. Therefore, if a winter lawn is desired, it can be planted over the dormant Bermuda. When high afternoon temperatures start to kill the winter lawn, in May, the Bermuda grass takes over again.

Bermuda grass will go dormant with the first severe drop in temperature in late Fall, however can be overseeded with ryegrass to provide a green lawn in winter.

Occasionally if late fall planting is required, you can attempt the more risky planting method using the dormant seeding method in late fall. In most cases it is recommended that you use unhulled seeds. Most of the new seeded varieties are only sold as hulled seed and thus should not be planted in the fall.


Picture source :http://www.flickr.com/photos/35925794@N00/199393192/

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Bermuda Grass Fertilizer

The amount and frequency of fertilizer required depends on the desired appearance and growth rate of the turf, length of growing season, soil type, Bermuda grass variety and the use of the turf.

Where high quality is of critical importance and the turf is mowed frequently, 1 to 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per month may be applied during the growing season. The lowest rate of nitrogen that can be applied and still maintain acceptable Bermuda grass turf for sports fields and golf courses is about 0.5 pounds of N per 1,000 sq. ft. per month.

Nitrogen fertilizer can be applied to the soil surface immediately prior to planting or at the time of planting at a rate of 1 pound per 1,000 sq. ft. or 40 to 50 pounds per acre. Nitrogen should be applied 3 to 4 week intervals until a cover is obtained.

Sandy soils require light but frequent applications of nitrogen because of low nitrogen retention. Sandy soils are also typically low in other nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium and these nutrients must also be provided through fertilization.

Potassium is particularly important because of its contribution to root growth, environmental stress tolerance (heat, cold and drought) and wear tolerance. Potassium has also been found to reduce susceptibility of Bermuda grass to leaf spot diseases.

Soil tests are required to determine phosphorus, potassium, calcium and other nutrient deficiencies.

Bermuda grass tolerates a wide range in soil reaction, but performs best between pH 6.5 and 8.0. At pH levels below 6.5 limestone should be added according to soil test recommendations.

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Bermuda Grass Seeding - The Best Time

Bermuda Grass are drought tolerant, which mean they can survive with dry soil conditions longer than most turf grasses. However, drought tolerance in Bermuda grass is based on their ability to become semi dormant during severe droughts and to recover from stolons and rhizomes when moisture becomes available. The Bermuda grass doesn't provide a desirable turf under drought conditions.

Fall and Winter
Bermuda Grass seeding in the fall and winter, wheat or rye can be drilled with unhulled Bermuda grass seed. The wheat or rye will establish quickly and provide some cover during winter months. The small grains also provide less competition than ryegrass to seedling bermudagrass in late spring.

Spring and Summer
Bermuda Grass seeding in spring and summer should utilize hulled Bermuda grass seed for faster germination. Late fall and winter plantings should be with unhulled Bermuda Grass seed to delay germination of a significant amount of the seed until more favorable conditions occur in the spring. Unhulled Bermuda grass seed might be planted together with annual ryegrass in the fall to provide temporary cover and protection from soil erosion during winter months. Annual ryegrass will delay the development of a bermuda grass turf, but it may be needed for cover and protection.


Sprigs or stolons should be planted at 5 to 15 bushels per 1,000 sq. ft. depending on the rate of cover required. Higher planting rates up to 25 or more bushels per 1,000 sq. ft. will provide a faster grass cover. A minimum planting rate should be 5 bushels per 1,000 sq. ft. or 200 bushels per acre. Sprigs or stolons should be broadcast on a clean seedbed and pressed into moist soil with a roller or covered lightly with soil or mulch. Moist conditions must be maintained for 2 to 3 weeks after planting to obtain a good cover.

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Bermuda Grass Overview

Bermuda grass is one of the most sun loving warm season lawn, pasture grasses and a favorite in texture and color for all areas of usage. Bermuda grass can be easily planted from grass seed and provides a good "medium plus" turf grass lawn. Bermuda turf requires a moderate amount of lawn grass care, maintenance and mowing.


Bermuda grass is the most popular selection for lawns in Southern Area and is considered as the "South's Grass" Bermuda grass provides a deep green turf and handles foot-traffic well. Bermuda grass requires full sun and does not tolerate shade. For best results seed between 15th April - 15th August and sod between 1st May to 15th September.


This perennial grass grows in tropical, sub-tropical and the transition zones. Found extensively on lawns, golf courses, sports fields and arenas, reclamation areas, parks, coastal areas and pastures.

Because of its dark gray-green color, drought tolerance, and high tolerance to foot traffic, Bermuda grass has become the most popular choice for southern lawns. It creeps along the ground and roots where ever a node touches the ground, forming a dense mat. It also reproduces from roots under the ground. It has a deep root system, and in drought situations the root system can grow quite deep. Most of the root mass lies 24 inches under the surface.

Its blades are a gray-green color and are short, usually 1 to 4 inches long with rough edges.

Bermuda grass can grow in poor clay soil but performs best in sandy clay or soils that will crumble in your hand when squeezed. Irrigation is not necessary but will enhance performance and appearance during dry spells.



Bermuda grasses may reproduces through seeds and through runners and rhizomes. When planted from seed, the seeds germinate at temperatures above 68° F, and begin to grow within 2 weeks.

Bermuda grass is actually considered a very invasive and competitive weed, however when properly and regularly maintained is easy to contain. Few herbicides are effective against it though Roundup and Killzall work quite well. A second spraying is usually necessary to complete the elimination. If not edged regularly it crawls into your beds among shrubs and ground covers and you will have to spray it with Over-The-Top herbicide to eliminate.

Newer, more "cold tolerant" varieties extend Bermudas planting area further North allowing a choice of a more drought resistant species in the transition zone. Examples of these are Yukon, Mohawk and Rivera.

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Bermuda Grass Seed

I just love Bermuda Grass and i wish this Bermuda Grass Seed blog can provided you with information on seeding, care, maintenance and after all... growing your Bermuda Grass..!!

Happy seeding..!

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