| What is the best type of bermudagrass seed and when should it be planted? |
| In your area, common bermuda is used a lot for turf applications because it is tough, dependable and can be mowed at taller heights and still look good. When you get into semi-dwarf and dwarf types of bermuda, the best varieties are not available as seed but rather as sod, plugs or sprigs. 'Tif 419' and 'Baby' are two premier examples of semi-dwarf type bermudas that have proven themselves in your area. These types do great when mowed at an inch and a half (or less) and are commonly seen on golf greens and fairways and some sports fields. The high maintenance required by such a low mowing height makes them a bit too troublesome for most home lawn applications. A number of seeded semi dwarf varieties (such as 'Cheyenne') are available through mail order sources, but trials have yet to show them superior to the earlier mentioned types. Bermudagrass may be seeded from April to September in your area. Seeding early in the year allows you to take advantage of milder temperatures and more frequent rains, and give the turf longer to develop and get ready for the winter months. Thanks for the question! |
