How to Plant a Bermuda Lawn From Seeds

Many of the newer Bermuda varieties can be planted from seed. Make sure that the variety you choose is winter hardy for your area. Bermuda grass grows densely, producing a deep-green carpet in areas with ample moisture and sun. It is commonly used in landscaping for lawns, parks, golf courses and other high-traffic areas. Bermuda grass grows best in warm tropical and subtropical climates. Temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit kill Bermuda grass leaves and stems, and the plant goes dormant until spring. Temperatures below 10 F may kill the plant.

Tiller
Rake
Bermuda grass seeds
Broadcast spreader
Mower
Lawn fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the lawn by removing existing weeds and grass. Till the soil to loosen it, then rake the surface smooth. Water the ground thoroughly the day before planting and again in the morning if needed to moisten the soil. The ground should be moist, but not soggy.
- 2
  Plant Bermuda grass seeds in the spring once the soil temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit, usually between May and mid-June is best. Broadcast 1 lb. seed per 1,000 square feet of lawn. Lightly rake the soil to bury the seeds to a depth of approximately 1/4 inch.
- 3
  Keep the ground moist until the seed germinates, approximately 5 to 10 days. Continue regular irrigation throughout the summer. Gradually increase the time between watering. Deep irrigation helps develop deep roots that resist drought better. The exact timing of irrigation will depend on your site and soil type.
- 4
  Begin mowing the grass after several weeks when the grass reaches 1 inch or more. Cut back to 1 inch, never cutting more than 40 percent of the blade at a time. Mowing controls weeds and promotes growth of Bermuda grass.
- 5
  Fertilize monthly during the summer with approximately 1/2 to 1 1/2 lb. nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.

What Is the Best Type of Grass Seed for Virginia?

How to Keep Newly Planted Grass Seed From Eroding

Lawn Planting