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Is Bermuda Grass a Warm-Season Grass?

Spreading quickly into any available space once established, Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season turf grass. Preferring the warmer climates in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, this perennial grass works well for yards that see a lot of foot traffic -- it also fends off weed seed germination because of its thick structure when maintained properly.

  1. Growth Period

    • As a warm-season grass, Bermuda varieties enter dormancy in the winter while growing vigorously during spring, summer and fall. To combat the Bermuda grass's brown hue during dormancy, you can seed a cool-season grass variety into the turf for some green. Because Bermuda grass responds to warm temperatures, plant this grass late spring to early summer for the best establishment before cold weather.

    Location

    • One major drawback of Bermuda grass is its need for direct sunlight. Any surrounding trees or shrubs that cast a shadow across the lawn cause the grass to die back and thin out. With full sun on the Bermuda grass, it can maximize its photosynthesis as it spreads across the ground through runners. Warm air and soil temperatures, coupled with ample water, contribute to a dense turf.

    Soil

    • Along with full sun and proper watering, the soil needs to be well-draining to prevent standing water and drought. Standing water causes grass rot because the soil's air pockets fill with water and the plants have no access to oxygen. If the water doesn't penetrate the soil, the roots succumb to drought. As a result, the roots cannot spread to find air and moisture, causing dieback. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6 to 6.5. Check the pH with a meter or soil test kit. Adding a balanced fertilizer, with a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratio of 10-10-10, to the Bermuda grass in spring and fall helps the soil remain nutrient-rich for a healthy lawn.

    Establishment

    • Even with warm temperatures, Bermuda grass is slow to establish from seed -- it can take a full three months for your yard to have strong and viable seedlings. Establishing Bermuda grass from sod or sprigs is more common. As long as the air and soil temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, your Bermuda grass should grow vigorously when planted in late spring. Bermuda grass requires diligent watering once planted. Once the roots have a firm grasp of the topsoil, you don't have to water as frequently, especially when the grass is dormant.

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Growing Grass
  1. Bermuda Grass Blight
  2. Yellowing Bermuda Grass in South Texas
  3. Bermuda Grass & Centipedegrass
  4. Arizona Summer Grass
  5. Bermuda Grass Water Requirements
  6. Beer on Bermuda Grass
  7. Zoysia Grass Vs. Bermuda
  8. Germination of Bermuda Grass
  9. Bermuda Grass Varieties
  10. The History of Bermuda Grass
  11. My Bermuda Grass Is Dead
  12. Bermuda Grass Strains

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