Bermuda Grass Seed

Updated: May 23, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: May 23, 2025.

A lush, bright green lawn in a garden makes flower beds and paths look lovely and makes the space feel bigger. Seeing and walking on soft grass can lift the mood, reduce stress, and invite fun outdoor activities with family and friends. Healthy turf also holds soil in place, cools the air around it, and helps rain soak into the ground instead of running off.

Bermuda grass is a fast-growing grass often used in lawns, parks, and sports fields. It is bright green and spreads quickly, covering the ground well. This grass is strong and can survive in hot and dry weather. It also grows back fast if it gets damaged. Growcycle provides high-quality bermuda grass seed to produce lush, green lawns. Gardeners can get quality seeds and easy-to-follow tips on growing and maintaining Bermuda grass.

Features of Bermuda Grass

Due to its dense growth and strength, it is mainly used for lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and pastures. The key features of Bermuda grass are as follows: 

• Fast Growth: Bermuda grass covers the ground uniformly as it spreads fast with its stems and roots, reducing the growth of herbs.
• Bright Green Color: Its fresh, green appearance makes lawns look beautiful and healthy. During warm seasons, it stays green for a long time.
• Strong and Tough: This grass can handle a lot of walking, running, and playing without getting damaged easily. It is often used in playgrounds, golf courses, and football fields.
• Heat and Drought Resistant: Bermuda grass grows well in hot and dry weather. Even with less water, it can survive for a long time.
• Low Maintenance: It does not need too much care, but regular mowing and watering keep it looking good. It grows quickly and should be trimmed often to maintain a neat appearance.

Thick and Soft: The grass grows thick, creating a soft, carpet-like surface that is comfortable to walk or sit on.

Types of Bermuda Grass Seeds

Many types of Bermuda grass seeds are available, each with unique features. Among the most popular seed varieties are:

• Common Bermuda Grass: Normal Bermuda grass grows rapidly and vigorously. Its texture is coarser than that of hybrids. It is more drought—and foot-traffic-resistant and is perfect for lawns, pastures, and erosion control.
• Hybrid Bermuda Grass: It is often unable to reproduce and spreads by sprigs or sod. It grows denser than regular Bermuda and has a finer texture. It can be applied to professional sports fields and golf courses. It needs to be mowed more frequently and with better care.
• Sahara Bermuda Grass: It is drought-resistant and requires less maintenance. It is suitable for lawns, parks, and commercial landscaping. Although it is not as fine-textured as hybrid varieties, it still covers a good area.
• Princess Bermuda Grass is a superior type of Bermuda grass. It is more drought-resistant, has a deeper green color, and finer texture. It is perfect for athletic fields, golf courses, and high-end lawns.

Yukon Bermuda Grass: It can tolerate lower temperatures more than other types. It grows slowly but offers a fine-textured, dark-green turf. It is ideal for transition zones with moderate winters.

Guide to Prepare and Plant Bermuda Grass Seed

Planting Bermuda grass from seed requires proper planning and maintenance for a healthy and vibrant lawn. To get the best results, follow these steps:

1. Choosing the Right Time

Bermuda grass thrives in late spring and early summer, when soil temperatures consistently rise above 65°F. The ideal atmosphere temperature range for sprouting is between 75°F and 95°F.

2. Soil Preparation

Remove any rocks, debris, or herbs from the planting area. Dig to loosen the top two to three inches of soil to improve soil-to-seed contact. Bermuda grass grows on soil with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0. 

Depending on the situation, add sulfur to lower the pH or lime to raise it. Add compost, organic matter, or a starter fertilizer to increase the soil’s nutrients and quality.

3. Seed Sowing

Spread the seeds using a broadcast spreader for uniform distribution. One to two pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet is recommended. Gently lift the soil to cover the seeds with about 1 inch of soil. Press the seeds into the ground with a lawn roller for improved germination.

4. Irrigation Schedule

Water the soil sparingly three to four times daily to keep it moist until germination, usually in seven to fourteen days. Reduce irrigation to once per day when the seedlings appear. Deep irrigation is applied once or twice weekly when the lawn is thoroughly established.

Caring for Bermuda Grass

Proper care is required for healthy grass growth, such as:

1. Mowing and Fertilization 

Cut the grass when it is around two inches tall. Set the mower to 0.5 to 2 inches for a pleasing look. When growth is active, trim frequently every five to seven days.

Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (16-4-8) every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Use slow-release fertilizers for a steady flow of nutrients. Using too much nitrogen may result in excessive growth.

2. Herb Control

Use a pre-emergent herbicide early in the spring to stop the growth of herbs. Apply post-emergent herbicides to manage plants such as clover and crabgrass. Keep the grass dense to suppress herbs naturally.

3. Aeration and Trimming 

Aerate the lawn annually to improve air, water, and nutrient penetration. Trim the stem to prevent disease and poor growth.

4. Pest and Disease Control 

Armyworms, grubs, and Bermuda mites are among its frequent pests. Apply pesticides as necessary. Proper irrigation and aeration can avoid fungal diseases like dollar spots and brown patches.

5. Winter Dormancy and Overseeding 

Bermuda grass becomes brown and dormant in the winter. To keep the area green during the fall, overseed it with ryegrass. In the winter, reduce fertilizer and irrigation.

FAQs

Does Bermuda grass grow in all climates?

Bermuda grass grows best in warm and sunny climates. It does not do well in freezing weather and can turn brown in winter.

Does Bermuda grass attract pests?

Bermuda grass resists most pests, but grubs, armyworms, and mites can sometimes infest it. Use pest control treatments to control damage.

How can brown patches in Bermuda grass be recovered?

Fungal diseases, drought, or improper watering can cause brown patches. Apply a fungicide, water correctly, and aerate the soil to help recover the grass.

The Bottom Line

Bermuda grass can grow and flourish when given the proper care and attention. Gardeners can keep their lawns looking lush and healthy by understanding the growth patterns, water and fertilizer needs, mowing techniques, and pest control measures. Visit Growcycle for a detailed guide on maintaining this grass’s health and greenness.