Bermuda Grass is a type of warm-season turfgrass. It should be planted when soil temperatures are consistently above 18 degrees Celsius, a condition perfect for Malaysia tropical weather.
The best soil temperature for germination and root growth of Bermuda grass is between 24 to 27 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures might not be a problem as long as you water regularly and the soil is moist.
If the conditions are met, Bermuda seeds can germinate in 7 to 10 days and they can fully grow as grass within sixty to ninety days. Now, if the weather conditions are not perfect, it will take more time. It is important to notice that Bermuda grass requires lots of water during germination and you should always keep the soil moist.
How to measure soil temperature?
Because soil temperature is extremely important for growing Bermuda grass from seeds, you need to make sure the soil temperature is in the ideal range. To measure the soil temperature, just insert a probe thermometer 5 to 7 centimetres into the soil. If the temperature is below 15 degrees Celsius, the growth of this type of grass will be slow and can even stop completely.
Preparing to Plant Bermuda Grass Seeds
Location
The first step to growing Bermuda grass from seeds is to find a site with full sun on well-drained soil in a sub-tropical or tropical weather zone like Malaysia. It is important to have proper drainage to develop mature healthy turf.
Soil
It is important to test the soil before seeding. To do this, apply fertilizer and other modifications per test. Remember to establish a minimum of 6.0 soil pH.
Bermuda Grass Seeds
It is time to prepare the seedbed. To do it, you need to loosen the soil to a depth of 15 centimetres. The area should be level with approximately 14 millimeters shatter soil at the surface.
Softly rake the soil to loosen it up so that new Bermuda grass seeds can make better contact with the soil surface.
Important reminder: NEVER use any herbicides or weed and feed fertilizers during planting. You should wait at least 10 to 14 weeks after seeding to apply a herbicide and/or weed and feed fertilizers.
Don’t forget to keep the area mowed constantly to control weeds.
It is always a good idea to read carefully the Bermuda grass seeds label package to get off to a good start.
Water
Bermuda grass seeds need water to grow so it is important to water 3 to 4 times daily and always make sure to keep the soil surface moist. Apply about 0.30 centimetres of water each time.
Bermuda Grass Seed Planting Depth
It is important to cover the Bermuda grass seeds with soil or mulch. If you leave a Bermuda grass seed lying on the soil surface with no protection from wind, dry air or hot sun, the seed cannot be kept moist enough to germinate well. Exposed seeds will usually dry out.
Cover Bermuda seeds but don’t plant them too deep as they may not germinate. Make sure not to cover deeper than 0.30 centimetres.
Bermuda Grass Seeding Rate
If you are planting a new turf, the recommended seeding rate is 2 to 3 pounds of coated Bermuda seed per 1,000 square feet.
Depending on the weather conditions, you may get by with fewer seeds or you will need to plant heavier. However, in most cases, do not exceed 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet. If you plant more, it could result in too dense a stand which can cause mowing and growth problems.
Bermuda Grass Care
Bermuda grass care is easy. All it needs is a light daily watering while the grass is establishing. Once the grass has grown you can water less frequently, but remember to increase the amount of water per watering session. Bermuda grass will require 2.50 centimetres per week if there is no rainfall.
Bermuda grass should be mowed once it reaches 5 centimetres. Remember, do it with a sharp blade. Every time you mow, you toughen up and spread the grass.
Finally, it is important to fertilize six weeks after planting and to apply weed control.
Happy planting!
