Bermuda grass is the quintessential warm-season turf for Texas, prized for its exceptional heat tolerance and ability to withstand intense summer conditions. This perennial grass spreads vigorously, creating a dense, durable lawn that recovers quickly from wear and tear. Successfully establishing a Bermuda lawn from seed requires precise timing and adherence to specific steps tailored to the Texas climate. This guide covers preparation, planting, and post-seeding maintenance to cultivate a healthy turf.
Selecting the Right Time and Seed Variety
The correct timing for planting Bermuda grass seed is necessary for successful germination, correlating directly with consistent soil warmth. The ideal planting window occurs in late spring and early summer, typically when the soil temperature is consistently between 65°F and 75°F at a four-inch depth. Air temperatures should reliably be between 70°F and 95°F, meaning planting should occur between mid-April and June after the final threat of frost has passed.
Seed selection involves choosing between common Bermuda and improved named varieties. Common Bermuda is often more economical and establishes quickly, though it has a coarser texture and lighter color than hybrids. Improved varieties like ‘Sahara,’ ‘Cheyenne,’ or ‘Tex Ace’ offer enhanced characteristics, such as better cold tolerance or greater drought resistance. Hulled seeds have the outer shell removed, allowing for faster germination, typically within 4 to 7 days, while unhulled seeds germinate more slowly.
Preparing the Soil for Planting
Proper soil preparation promotes high germination rates and a strong stand of grass. Begin with a professional soil test to determine existing pH and nutrient levels. Bermuda grass thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral range, ideally between 6.0 and 7.5. Based on the test results, incorporate necessary amendments, such as lime or sulfur, into the soil.
Before tilling, clear the area completely of all existing weeds, rocks, and debris. Use a tiller to loosen the top 4 to 6 inches of soil, which improves drainage and allows for deeper root penetration. If the soil is heavily compacted or very sandy, mixing in organic material, such as compost, will improve soil structure and water retention capacity.
After tilling, rake the surface smooth to eliminate large clumps and ensure an even planting bed. A fine, level seedbed prevents water from pooling and helps maintain consistent seed depth. Finally, lightly roll or tamp the prepared area to create a slightly firm surface. This step ensures excellent seed-to-soil contact and prevents the seed from being buried too deep.
Spreading and Covering the Seed
Accurate seed application is necessary for establishing a thick turf without wasting material or causing overcrowding. The recommended seeding rate for a new Bermuda lawn is typically between 2 to 3 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet. Use a rotary or drop spreader to achieve uniform distribution across the prepared seedbed.
To guarantee even coverage, fill the spreader with half of the total calculated seed and spread it across the area. Refill the spreader with the remaining half and apply it in a direction perpendicular to the first pass, creating a cross-hatch pattern. Immediately after spreading, the seed must be lightly incorporated into the soil, but not buried.
Use a leaf rake to gently scratch the seed into the top 1/8 inch of the soil surface. Bermuda grass seed needs exposure to light to germinate, so burying it deeper than 1/4 inch significantly reduces the germination rate. After raking, use a lawn roller or tamper to lightly press the soil. This ensures maximum seed-to-soil contact, which is necessary for moisture absorption and successful sprouting.
Post-Planting Watering and Care
The first two to three weeks after planting are crucial, as the success of the lawn hinges on maintaining continuous moisture in the top layer of the soil. This requires a frequent, light watering schedule, typically involving irrigation three to four times daily for short durations of 5 to 10 minutes each. The goal is to keep the seedbed moist without allowing the water to pool or the seed to wash away, requiring only about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of water per application.
As the seedlings emerge and become established, usually after 10 to 14 days, the watering frequency must be reduced while the duration is increased. This transition encourages the young roots to grow deeper into the soil profile rather than remaining near the surface. Gradually transition to deep, less frequent irrigation, aiming for a total of 1 to 1.25 inches of water per week once the lawn is fully established.
Fertilization should begin with a starter fertilizer applied at the time of seeding to provide phosphorus for root growth. A complete, balanced fertilizer can be applied about four weeks after germination to support rapid establishment. The first mowing should occur when the grass blades reach a height of 1.5 to 2 inches. Only remove the top one-third of the blade length to avoid stressing the tender new grass.