How to Germinate Bahia Grass Seeds

Both lawns and pastures can use bahiagrass, which comes in several varieties, the two most common being Argentine and Pensacola. The Pensacola variety is more suited to areas that have cooler temperatures, while Argentine thrives in warm, moist regions. There is also a newer variety, Tifton 9 Pensacola, that germinates faster than the other two. If you live in an area with mild winters, you can plant your bahiagrass seed at any time. Horticulturists at the University of Florida suggest seeding during the summer because bahiagrass seeds require warm soil temperatures for germination.

Garden rototiller
Soil amendments such as lime, potassium, compost
Rake
Broadcast seed spreader
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Test your soil prior to preparing the seeding bed. Your local agricultural extension office will conduct a soil test and some of the larger nurseries also have soil testing facilities. Once you have the results, you will know which amendments you will need to purchase. Common amendments for a bahia lawn include nitrogen, lime and phosphorous. You may need some compost or other amendments as well.
- 2
  Till the planting area. Make sure you remove old roots, rocks and other debris.
- 3
  Add any amendments recommended by the soil analysis and mix them in, to a depth of 5 inches, with the existing soil. Level the area with a rake, evening out any lumps and depressions so that there is a nice, smooth surface.
- 4
  Sow the bahia grass seed at a rate of 5 to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet. If you have a small planting area, you can sow by hand. For larger areas, a broadcast seeder will make sowing easier for you.
- 5
  Run the rake lightly through the planting area so that the seeds become lightly covered with soil.
- 6
  Water the planting area with a light mist setting. Then, water daily until the seeds sprout. On particularly hot days, you may need to water several times a day. Never let the planting area dry out. After the lawn is established, you can cut back watering to once per week.

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