Bermuda grasss is a major turf for sports fields, lawns, parks, golf courses, and general utility area in many countries. Here in the southeastern U.S., this type of grass grows very well. Bermuda grass is a highly variable sod forming perennia that spread by stolons, rhizomes, and seeds. Stolons of Bermuda grass readily form at the nodes. Common Bermuda grass is the only widely used turf variety that can be established from seed. All hybrid Bermuda grasses are sterile and must be propagated vegatively by stolons, rhizomes, or sod.

1. The prospective turf should first be cleared of all weeds and other plants not intended to be grown. Also, the soil should be disked to loosen the soil.

2. Certified Bermuda grass seed should be planted at a rate of 0 to 1 pounds of seed per thousand square feet. Spring and summer planting should utilize hulled Bermuda grass for germination. Late fall and winter plantings should be with unhulled Bermuda grass seed to delay germination of a significant amount of the seed until more favorable conditons occur in the spring. Annual ryegrass will delay the development of a Bermuda grass turf, but it may be needed for cover and protechtion. Bermuda grass sprigs are stolons for planting should be freshly harvested from proir sites to protech from desiccation from wind and sun. Also, they should not be subjected to excessive heating, which occurs for several days.

3. Sprigs or stolons should be planted at 5 to 15 bushels per 1000 square feet. Depending on the rate of cover required, 25 or more bushels per 100 square feet will provide a denser grass cover. Sprigs or stolons should be broadcasted on a clean seedbed and pressed into moist soil with a roller or covered lightly with soil or mulch. Moist conditions must be maintained for 2 to 3 weeks after planting to obtain a good cover.

4. Fertilizer, as determined by soil tests, should be incorporated into the soil during seedbed preparation. Nitrogen fertilizer can be applied to the soil surface immediately proir to planting or at the time of planting at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet 40 to 50 pounds per square acre. Bermuda grass tolerates a wide range in soil reaction but, performs best at a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. If levels of pH are under 6.5, limestone should be added according to soil tests.

5. Mowing should begin several weeks after planting to control weed gromth and promote spreading. If additional weed control is needed, selective post-energence herbicides can be applied 3 to 4 weeks after planting. Pre-emergent herbicides should not be applied to Bermuda grass during their first growth seasons.