Bermuda grass is a popular warm-season turf known for its exceptional durability, heat tolerance, and ability to recover quickly from damage. This perennial grass is a common choice for lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses across warm-season and transition zones. Determining the exact amount of Bermuda grass seed required per acre is not a fixed number, as the necessary seeding rate is highly variable and depends on factors related to the seed and the desired outcome.
Standard Seeding Rates for General Turf
The quantitative answer for new turf establishment begins with a baseline rate, typically provided in pounds per 1,000 square feet. Converting this to an acre (43,560 square feet) provides the general range for large-scale planting. For a new, dense turf lawn, the standard recommendation is often between 2 and 3 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet. This translates to a starting range of approximately 87 to 130 pounds per acre, though some sources suggest a slightly higher rate of 125 to 175 pounds per acre when establishing new turf with common hulled seed.
This rate is usually based on hulled Bermuda grass seed, which has had its outer shell removed to promote faster and more uniform germination, typically within 3 to 7 days under ideal conditions. Unhulled seed retains the protective outer coating and requires a higher rate, often between 3 and 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet (roughly 130 to 217 pounds per acre), because germination is slower and less predictable. This higher rate compensates for the delayed sprouting process. For pasture or erosion control applications, lower rates are acceptable, often falling between 8 and 10 pounds of Pure Live Seed per acre for pasture drilling.
Factors Influencing Seeding Density
The standard seeding rate must be adjusted based on the specific conditions of the planting site and the quality of the seed purchased. Seed quality is a significant variable, determined by the purity and germination rate listed on the seed tag. If the seed has a low germination rate, the pounds per acre must be increased to ensure an adequate number of viable seedlings emerge. This adjustment ensures the target number of live seeds per square foot is achieved, a concept measured using Pure Live Seed (PLS) calculations.
The planting method also directly impacts the required seed density. Broadcast spreading, which involves scattering the seed across the soil surface, is less precise and often results in seed loss, necessitating a higher seeding rate for full coverage. Conversely, using a drill seeder places the seed directly into the soil at a consistent depth. This requires a lower, more efficient rate due to reduced loss and improved seed-to-soil contact. Poor soil conditions or a site prone to heavy erosion will also typically require a higher seeding rate.
A final consideration is the desired final density of the turf. The rate for a home lawn differs significantly from that of a golf course fairway. Establishing a dense, high-quality turf requires a significantly higher rate than seeking a thin, functional ground cover. Seeding at excessively high rates, however, can lead to small, weak plants that compete too aggressively for resources, delaying the development of a mature, robust turf. While a lower rate may be acceptable for this spreading grass, a higher rate is often used to achieve uniform, rapid establishment.
Preparation and Post-Seeding Care
Successful establishment depends not only on the quantity of seed but also on the timing and care provided immediately before and after planting. The optimal planting window for Bermuda grass is late spring or early summer, when soil temperatures are consistently 65°F or higher. Planting during this warm period ensures rapid germination, which is key to successful establishment.
Proper soil preparation is necessary for maximizing seed viability. This includes removing existing weeds, which compete significantly with young seedlings, and lightly tilling the top layer of soil. It is recommended to perform a soil test to determine if the pH needs adjustment, as Bermuda grass thrives in the 6.5 to 7.0 range, and to identify necessary nutrient amendments.
When applying the seed, ensure excellent seed-to-soil contact without burying it too deeply. Bermuda grass seed should be planted very shallowly, ideally covered by no more than 1/8 inch of soil, as planting deeper prevents germination. After spreading, lightly raking or using a roller to firm the seedbed helps secure the seed in place.
The most demanding requirement following seeding is consistent moisture. The newly seeded area must be kept continuously moist for the first two to three weeks until the seedlings are established. This often requires multiple, light waterings each day, sometimes three to four times daily, to prevent the top layer of soil from drying out. Applying a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus at the time of planting provides the necessary nutrients for strong root development in the emerging seedlings.