Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a perennial, warm-season turfgrass widely utilized across the southern United States. It is recognized for its aggressive growth habit, high tolerance for heat, and ability to withstand heavy use. Yes, Bermuda grass does produce seeds as one method of reproduction.
How Bermuda Grass Produces and Spreads Seeds
Bermuda grass reproduces sexually by developing seed heads, which appear when the grass is not consistently mowed. These inflorescences emerge as a whorl of three to eight slender spikes, resembling a small cluster of fingers. The small, egg-shaped seeds are arranged in two overlapping rows along one side of each spike.
Once mature, seeds are dispersed by various natural mechanisms, including wind, water runoff, animals, or machinery. For effective germination, hulled seeds require warm soil temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 75°F, with air temperatures consistently exceeding 80°F. Unhulled seeds may germinate more slowly, often taking seven to ten days compared to about five days for hulled seed.
Seeds produced by common Bermuda grass varieties can remain viable for extended periods, creating a persistent seed bank. This long-term viability is a significant factor in weed control, as seeds can sprout years after the original plant is removed. Seed production is stimulated by alternating wet and dry cycles, which encourages flowering.
Vegetative Reproduction Through Runners
While seeds are produced, the primary and most aggressive method of spread for Bermuda grass is asexual reproduction, or vegetative growth. This warm-season grass has a dense, sod-forming habit because it uses two types of horizontal stems, commonly called runners. This dual system allows for rapid and extensive colonization of an area.
Above-ground runners are known as stolons, which are segmented stems that creep horizontally along the soil surface. These stems can grow rapidly, elongating by several inches per day under favorable conditions. New roots and shoots emerge from the nodes (joints) of the stolon where it touches the soil, forming a new plant.
The grass also utilizes underground stems called rhizomes, which are modified stems that store energy and nutrients. Rhizomes allow the plant to survive periods of stress, such as drought or freezing temperatures, and can extend deep into the soil profile. New shoots emerge from buds along the rhizome, allowing the plant to spread laterally and form a dense, interwoven mat.
Practical Implications for Lawn Establishment
The two reproductive strategies of Bermuda grass have direct implications for establishing and managing a lawn. Varieties established from seed, often called common Bermuda grass, are generally less dense and have a coarser texture than hybrid cultivars. These seeded varieties are less expensive and easier to plant, but they carry a risk of inconsistent quality and color due to genetic variability.
In contrast, many high-quality, fine-textured cultivars used in sports fields and premium lawns are sterile hybrids that produce little viable seed. These hybrids, such as ‘Tifway 419’ or ‘TifTuf,’ must be propagated vegetatively using sod, sprigs, or plugs to ensure genetic purity and consistent quality. Sprigs are small pieces of stolons and rhizomes containing the growing points necessary to establish a new stand.
Using vegetative sprigs or sod is often preferred when a uniform, high-density turf is desired, despite the higher cost compared to seeding. This method bypasses the germination variability of seeds and ensures the hybrid variety’s desired characteristics are maintained. The aggressive nature of the runners, while requiring maintenance, allows vegetatively established lawns to recover quickly from damage.