Bermuda grass is a warm-season perennial grass that is a popular choice for Texas lawns. Learn when to plant Bermuda seed in Texas by reading this blog post.
This type of turf performs well in residential lawns, but also for athletic fields and golf courses as well.
Check out our weed and feed schedule to find out everything you need to know about when to fertilize your lawn.
Pros of Bermuda Grass
There are several pros to planting Bermuda grass in Texas. These include:
Easy to grow and maintain: This type of grass is very low maintenance and also attractive to the eye.
Resilient: Bermuda grass is durable, withstands high traffic without easily wearing out, and has a great recovery rate. It can also withstand long periods of drought better than any other type of grass.
Affordable: Bermuda seed is not as expensive compared to other grass seeds. It requires little maintenance and won’t cost as much as other grass types that require extra watering and fertilization.
Can grow well in many soil types: Bermuda seed is not only resilient, but also adaptable to different types of soils.
Cons of Bermuda Turf
Bermuda grass does come with some cons that are worth noting. These include:
Does not tolerate cold: Bermuda grass does not do well in cold weather and in shades. This grass needs plenty of sunlight to thrive and might lose its color and lush appearance in several repeated days of cold weather.
Aggressive: Bermuda grass is known as Devil’s grass because it grows quickly and widely. If you are thinking about planting you’ll need to keep an eye on it, or it might creep on flower beds or sidewalks.
Requires frequent mowing: It needs frequent mowing, at least once a week, to avoid it growing too much, too fast. If you require any help with lawn mowing, JC’s Landscaping is at your service.
Best Time to Plant Bermuda Seed in Texas
Plant bermuda when the soil temperatures are consistently warmer. In Texas, the best time to plant bermuda seed is late spring and early summer, which is after the soil warms and spring frost danger has passed.
Bermuda seeds germinate best at soil temperatures between 65°F and 70°F.
Plant bermuda grass at least 90 days before the first frost. This works well for the purpose of overseeding, especially in Texas because we experience high temperatures well into the fall season.
Common Types of Bermuda Seed to Plant in Texas-
Bermuda grass comes in several varieties, but there are two that are commonly found in Texas lawns.
- Tifway 419
- Common Bermuda
- TifTuf
Hybrid Bermuda (Tifway 419)
This is one of the toughest hybrid grasses with a dense and high recuperative potential.
It is also resilient given that it will only go dormant after being exposed to repeated winter frosts and will turn green as soon as the temperature reaches 45 degrees. It is fast in root establishment, growth rate, and spreading.
This fast-growing grass will fill in bare spots and withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for areas that require frequent use and rejuvenation.
With its deep root system, Tifway 419 accesses moisture from deeper soil layers, reducing the need for frequent watering. Its dense growth pattern creates a smooth and uniform surface that enhances the aesthetic appeal of lawns, athletic fields, and recreational areas.
Common Bermuda
This type of Bermuda grass can be seeded and is much coarser. It has much larger leaves, and a longer stem length between the blades (internode length).
Also, it is fine-textured and dark green in color. Common Bermuda has aboveground and underground stems, which help it to establish roots and spread quickly.
Common Bermuda Grass is also well-adapted to North Texas’ rocky soil and tolerates a high pH, making it an ideal choice for areas with less than optimal soil quality.
TifTuf Bermuda
TifTuf is a softer variety and bright green in color. People often say it is the best looking of the Bermudas.
What’s more, is that it holds its color longer in the fall and pops back up faster in spring than other grass types. Lastly, this type of Bermuda recovers well from drought and has a pretty good tolerance for shade.
One of the key reasons for its popularity is its extraordinary drought tolerance. It is able to withstand prolonged periods without water.
Another significant advantage is its ability to recover quickly from damage, whether due to foot traffic, weather conditions, or other factors, allowing it to maintain its pristine appearance year-round.
Tips for Planting Bermuda Seed in Texas
- Bermuda seeds must have a thin soil covering for them to germinate properly.
- Bermuda grass requires little water, although fresh seeds will need daily watering until the establishment is more noticeable.
- As a warm-season seed, plant Bermuda seed in full sun.
- It is drought-resistant, which means one needs to avoid accidental overwatering.
Some types of bermuda should only be planted from sprigs or sod. For more information about sod installation vs seed, contact us today.
Wrapping Up
Bermuda grass is one of Texas’ favorite blends due to its minimal water requirements and ability to handle plenty of sun and traffic.
Finally, Bermuda grass is one of the best turfgrasses for a beautiful lawn. It won’t wilt in the scorching sun or die when pests come around and prove to be a challenge.
View PDF: When to Plant Bermuda Seed in Texas
One Response
Planting Bermuda grass in Texas is often done from May to mid-June since the warm weather promotes seed germination. This also offers the grass plenty of time to grow its roots before the cold weather arrives. Sprigging Bermuda grass, on the other hand, can be done from early March until August.