When The Best Time is to Plant Bermuda Grass Seed Aha!

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If you are planning on laying new sod or planting Bermuda grass, it may be helpful to learn which season is best for growing a lawn.

Sure, we are talking about the lawn here, not a garden, but if you want to achieve a beautifully grown, green lawn, timing is still extremely important.

While most people are already aware of warm temperatures and rain being ideal conditions for growing most plants, there are still specific times when Bermuda grass is most likely to thrive.

So, exactly when should you plant Bermuda grass? The answer is simple, but it may still depend on the area’s climate.

When Is the Best Time to Plant Bermuda Grass Seed?

The ideal times for planting Bermuda grass seed are later in spring and early in summer. There mustn’t be any risk of frost occurring, and temperatures should be consistently in the 80-degree Fahrenheit range. You can grow Bermuda grass year-round if climates remain warm and moist all year.

Bermuda Grass Seed Should be Planted in Late Spring or Early Summer

If you are looking for the most affordable method of planting grass, growing Bermuda grass from seedlings is the best choice.

However, you will need to be mindful of the climate and the ideal conditions for growing Bermuda grass.

If you live in an area that has seasonal temperature fluctuations, you will need to hold off on planting your Bermuda grass until there is no longer a risk of developing frost.

While frost may very well be eliminated at the onset of spring, you will still need to wait a little longer for the soil temperatures to warm.

Although some experts claim that soil temperatures between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit are sufficient for Bermuda grass, most agree that this plant fares best in climates with a consistent temperature in the 80s or 90s range.

When it comes to growing Bermuda grass, the warmer it is outside, the healthier your lawn will grow.

So, in most climates, you will need to wait until late spring before planting Bermuda grass. Now, if you are growing Bermuda grass in South Florida, you probably won’t need to hold off as long.

Bermuda grass may be planted earlier in the season in subtropical climates, but it’s advised to proceed with caution when planting early in the spring.

If temperatures still aren’t warm enough, the seeds may take a while to germinate. Bermuda grass germinates quicker in the summer heat but will require adequate watering to maintain the moisture in the soil.

So, the best time to plant Bermuda grass is in the latter part of spring, or early in the summer, unless temperatures warm up sooner where you live.

When to NOT Plant Bermuda Grass

Now that you know when it is the best time to plant Bermuda grass, let’s move on to learning what seasons to avoid planting Bermuda grass.

First, late summer is rarely a good time for planting Bermuda grass seeds, as temperatures are likely to drop before the seeds have a chance to germinate.

If you live in a climate that remains warm for much of the year, you might be lucky and manage to get by with late summer planting, but this is ill-advised.

After the middle of August has passed, it is best to hold off on planting Bermuda grass until the following spring.

Since Bermuda grass thrives in warmer temperatures, it should never be planted in the Fall. Additionally, you should always avoid planting Bermuda grass within 60 to 90 days from the next expected frost.

Sure, it is possible for Bermuda grass to remain dormant under the soil until the weather is warm enough for germination, but doing so could result in long-term damage to your lawn.

Late season planting could cause your grass to die from starvation since the roots never had the opportunity to store enough nutrients prior to dormancy.

While Bermuda grass is a warm-weather plant, it can survive cooler temperatures, but it will turn brown between October and April and not flourish again until the temperature starts to spike again.

Frequently Asked Questions about When Best to Plant Bermuda Grass

What is Bad About Bermuda Grass?

Although Bermuda grass is a popular choice for Southern lawns, it can spread into crops and essentially damage them. Bermuda grass has been known to invade crops such as corn, cotton, and sugarcane. A few states have added Bermuda grass to a list of harmful weeds.

Will Common Bermuda Grass Spread?

Bermuda grass is the fastest-growing type of warm-season grass, hence, it will spread. While this often makes Bermuda grass difficult to contain, the speed of growth will result in a full and healthy-looking lawn.

How Do You Maintain Bermuda Grass?

Bermuda grass needs plenty of watering and regular exposure to direct sunlight in order to flourish. It’s best to keep your Bermuda grass about 2 inches tall and to mow your lawn with a sharp blade starting every spring when your lawn regains a green coloring.

Conclusion

Basically, if you live in a warm, moist climate, such as South Florida, you may very well be able to plant your Bermuda grass whenever you feel like it.

Just use common sense and mind the temperature.

The standard rule of thumb when planting Bermuda grass in most climates is to wait until the end of spring or the beginning of summer before you plant.

Try to avoid late-season planting. Sure, your grass may beat the odds and survive the winter, but the chances of that happening are slim.

For the best results, you should patiently wait for the best time in planting your Bermuda grass seeds.