Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.)

Origin:  Southeast Africa

Use:  Grazing, hay

Plant Description

  • General:  15-24" tall; hybrids must be established vegetatively but some types can be established by seed
  • Life Span: Perennial
  • Growth Form:  Spreads by stolons and/or rhizomes, but growth of hybrids is relatively upright

Management

  • Seeding Rate:  5-10 lb/A or pure seed for hulled seed-types; 20-30 bu/A sprigs
  • Seedling Vigor:  Fair
  • Planting Date:  Sprig types:  February to mid-summer if adequate moisture available; Seed types:  When soil temperature reaches approximately 70 degrees
  • Planting Depth:  Sprigs: 2-3"; Seeds:  <0.25"
  • Grazing Tolerance:  Excellent
  • Desirable pH:  >5.5 but is highly tolerant of acidic soils
  • Drainage Requirements:  well drained soil
  • Soil Texture:  Adapted to wide range of soil types
  • Drought Tolerance:  Excellent
  • Season of Use:  March-October

General:

  • Hybrids are well suited to hay production
  • Highly responsive to nitrogen
  • Maintain adequate soil potassium for disease resistance and cold hardiness
  • Does not tolerate poorly drained soils
  • Seed-types have been difficult to establish on Coastal Plain
  • Crabgrass can complicate seed-type establishment
  • Select variety based on cold hardiness, disease resistance, and forage quality

ID Features:

  • Hairy ligule, seed head contains 3-5 spikes


Special Notes:

  • Armyworms and spittlebugs can be problem insects; leafspot is common susceptible varieties during fall months (particularly when soil potassium is low)