Seeded Bermudagrass Establishment: Overview _ View this page as a PDF Adobe Acrobat Required _ Seedbed Preparation • Confirm that no harmful residual herbicides are present in the soil • Soil temperatures should consistently be above 650 F (180 C) at a 4” depth • Work in soil amendments and starter fertilizer to a depth of 6-8”, being careful to avoid “layering” • Remove gravel/debris from the soil surface to avoid damaging mower blades and bed knives • Prepare a fine, firm seedbed, roll or pack soil if necessary Seeding • Seeding rates should be 2-3 lbs of product/1,000 ft2. (seeding rates may be lowered for small seeded varieties such as Princess 77) • Seed at 1/8 inch depth - Do not plant deeper than 1/4 inch Watering • Keep the soil surface moist until germination and emergence is complete • Following emergence, allow the soil surface to dry periodically to help avoid “damping off” caused by Pythium • Initially, avoid heavy watering which could wash the seeds from the soil • Begin making less frequent and longer irrigations at the fifth leaf stage of development to promote deep root growth Weed Control • Regular, frequent mowing can help control some weeds • Management practices for turfgrass establishment that aide turfgrass seedlings in establishing quickly will help the turf out-compete weeds • Use only post-emergent products to control weeds during establishment • Follow labeled instructions for seeded bermudagrass when making herbicide applications Mowing • Never mow more than 1/3 of the leaf height in one cutting • Begin mowing newly established turf to avoid violating the 1/3 rule • Keep mower blades sharp • Immature turf may be damaged by vertical mowing Fertility • Soil sample and follow fertility recommendations prior to planting • Adjust soil pH to a level between 6 and 7.5 • Apply a balanced starter fertilizer if necessary • Fertilize new turf with 1 lb actual N/1,000 ft2 every two weeks during establishment using a balanced fertilizer as needed

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