You have just purchased Bermuda grass seeds, the most common choice for ornamental and sports lawns in Caribbean climates. Ours come hulled and coated to improve germination. This is the grass used for golf courses, soccer fields, and residential gardens in non-coastal areas: fine blade, deep green color, high tolerance to foot traffic. In this guide, we explain how to sow it successfully.
Product specifications
Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda) is the most widely sown warm-season grass in the world. It has fine blades, is dense, aggressive in spreading, withstands intense foot traffic, and recovers quickly after mowing. Our seed comes hulled and coated with nutrients and fungicide for higher germination. The 22.7 kg bag covers 700-1000 m² at a professional rate.
| Specification | 22.7 kg bag |
|---|---|
| SKU | 76895 |
| Species | Cynodon dactylon |
| Treatment | Hulled, coated |
| Bag | 22.7 kg (50 lb) |
| Coverage | 700-1000 m² |
| Application | Ornamental lawn, sports turf, gardens |
Step-by-step planting guide
Sowing Bermuda follows the same general rules as Paspalum, with minor variations in dosage and temperature. The critical phase is the first 14 days: permanent moisture and adequate temperature.
Prepare the soil
Remove vegetation, debris, and stones. Till 15-20 cm (6-8 in) deep and level with a rake. In heavy or poor soils, incorporate coco coir substrate or organic matter into the top layer. Water 24-48 hours before sowing so the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Calculate the dosage
The dosage for coated Bermuda is 22-30 g/m² (4.5-6 oz per 100 sq ft), slightly lower than Paspalum because the seed is smaller and germinates more densely. In areas with good preparation and abundant irrigation, use 22-25 g/m²; in demanding areas, use 30 g/m².
Sow with cross-hatch technique
Use a rotary spreader for large areas; sow by hand with cross-hatch dispersion for small plots. Divide the total dosage into two halves, sow the first half in one direction and the second half perpendicularly. This compensates for irregularities and ensures a more uniform distribution.
Cover very lightly and compact
Gently rake the seeds so they are covered with just 3 mm (0.1 in) of soil. Then use a light roller or press with a board to promote contact between the seed and the soil, which triggers germination. Bermuda seeds are even smaller than Paspalum seeds: any excessive depth drastically reduces germination.
Water gently and maintain moisture
Water immediately with a low-pressure diffuser (not a strong jet that moves the seeds). For the first 2-3 weeks, keep the soil permanently moist: 2-4 short waterings a day. Germination begins in 5-10 days with adequate temperature (24-30 °C). After 14 days, gradually space out waterings.
Bermuda grass is excellent for moderate to high traffic surfaces: family gardens with children, amateur sports fields, municipal green areas. If your project is for a soccer field or golf course with intense traffic, consider hybrid Bermuda varieties (Tifway, Tifgreen) which are denser and more resistant than common Bermuda. For ornamental and residential use, coated common Bermuda gives excellent results.
Do not sow Bermuda in coastal areas with saline soil or irrigate with brackish water. Bermuda does not tolerate salinity above 7,000 ppm: within a few weeks, it will yellow and die in affected areas. For these cases, use Paspalum vaginatum, specifically designed to tolerate up to 35,000 ppm of salinity without problems.
Bermuda or Paspalum for your garden?
If you have doubts whether your project needs Bermuda (inland, fine, traffic) or Paspalum (coast, salinity), ask the virtual assistant. It will guide you based on location, irrigation water, and lawn use.
Complementary products
Successful Bermuda grass seeding is supported by these products:
Coco coir substrate incorporated into the topsoil improves aeration and water retention for the germination phase. Coco biomat is essential cover if sowing on a slope or incline: it holds the seeds in place and retains moisture. Paspalum grass seeds are the alternative for coastal areas with salinity, where Bermuda does not thrive.
Maintenance and care
Bermuda grass requires regular maintenance to maintain its density and aesthetics:
- Seed storage: in a cool, dry, and dark place. Once the bag is opened, use it within a few months to maintain germination quality.
- First mowing: when it reaches 6-7 cm (2.5 in), cut to 3-4 cm (1.2-1.5 in) with a sharp mower. Bermuda benefits from lower cuts than Paspalum.
- Regular mowing: Bermuda grows fast in hot weather: mow every 5-7 days in mid-summer, every 10-15 during transition. Never cut more than one-third of the height in a single mowing.
- Fertilization: Bermuda demands nitrogen. Apply nitrogen-rich NPK fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
- Aeration and verticutting: once a year, aerate with a core aerator and verticut to remove thatch (layer of accumulated organic matter). This is essential for the long-term health of the lawn.
Frequently asked questions
What is the optimal time to sow?
In the Dominican climate, it's best between March and June or between September and October. Optimal soil temperature: 22-30 °C. Bermuda germinates quickly (5-10 days) under these conditions. Below 18 °C, germination is slow or nonexistent. Above 35 °C, watering must be very frequent to prevent dehydration.
Why is my Bermuda grass turning yellow?
Common causes: nitrogen deficiency (fertilize), overwatering with waterlogging (space out watering and improve drainage), trampling in areas with soft soil (use a lawn paving slab in high-traffic areas) or poor quality irrigation water. If it yellows only in specific areas and the water adds salinity, consider switching to Paspalum.
How long does it take to cover the entire ground?
With correct dosage and proper maintenance: germination in 5-10 days, visible lawn in 3 weeks, acceptable coverage in 60 days, dense established lawn in 90-120 days. Bermuda is aggressive, spreading by stolons and rhizomes: the few bald spots that remain after the first germination will close on their own in 2-3 months with regular watering and mowing.