Sprigging uses vegetative parts like rhizomes and stolons instead of traditional seed. This process plants the runners, which are the aggressive growth mechanisms of Bermuda grass. Since you are planting live material, sprigging bypasses the slower germination phase, allowing for a much faster establishment rate. This technique is common for hybrid varieties that do not produce viable seed and offers a cost-effective alternative to laying sod.
Preparing the Site and Timing the Planting
Successful establishment requires thorough site preparation. The optimal planting window is late spring through mid-summer when soil temperatures are consistently warm. Bermuda grass needs a minimum soil temperature of 65°F for growth, with 65°F to 70°F being ideal for establishment.
Before planting, all existing vegetation, including weeds and old turf, must be eliminated to minimize competition. Non-selective herbicides, such as glyphosate, should be applied several weeks in advance to ensure a complete kill. After the growth dies off, the soil needs to be tilled 4 to 6 inches deep to loosen the area, promoting aeration and deep root penetration.
This is the ideal time to perform a soil test to analyze pH and nutrient levels, allowing for necessary amendments. Lime or starter fertilizer, particularly those containing phosphorus for root development, should be incorporated during tilling. Applying these nutrients ensures they are immediately available in the root zone, crucial for the survival and initial spread of the young sprigs.
The Sprigging Process: Laying and Covering
Once the soil is prepared, sprigs must be planted without delay, as the vegetative material is highly susceptible to drying out. Keep the sprigs moist until they are spread onto the prepared soil surface. For a dense lawn, a broadcast rate of 10 to 15 bushels per 1,000 square feet is recommended for rapid coverage.
The sprigs can be distributed evenly across the area by hand or using a mechanical spreader. After broadcasting, the material needs to be pressed into the soil to ensure excellent contact between the plant nodes and the earth. This is often accomplished using a cultipacker or a heavy roller to firmly seat the sprigs into the tilled surface.
The planting depth is crucial for survival. Cover the majority of the sprig, including the nodes, with 1 to 2 inches of soil, which protects the delicate nodes from drying out. Leaving roughly one-third of the sprig above the soil ensures the plant can immediately begin photosynthesis.
Post-Planting Care for Successful Establishment
The success of sprigging hinges on maintaining consistent soil moisture immediately after planting. Newly planted sprigs have minimal root structure and cannot tolerate drying out. The soil surface must be kept persistently moist for the first 10 to 14 days. This requires multiple light waterings throughout the day, especially during the warmest hours, rather than a single heavy application.
Within the first week, a high-nitrogen starter fertilizer should be applied to stimulate rapid root and stolon growth. A blend with a high ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus, such as an 18-24-12 formulation, supplies the energy needed for spread and root development. Applying 0.5 to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet helps jump-start establishment.
Weed Control and Mowing
As the sprigs begin to grow, initial weed control must be managed carefully since most herbicides are unsafe for young turf. Emerging weeds should be hand-pulled to prevent them from outcompeting the new Bermuda grass. The first mowing should occur three to four weeks after planting, or once the sprigs have grown 1 to 2 inches and rooted into the soil. When mowing, never remove more than one-third of the existing leaf blade to avoid stressing the developing lawn. After the initial two weeks of frequent, light watering, gradually transition to less frequent but deeper watering cycles as the roots establish.