Planting & Growing Bermuda Grass Pastures From Seed

Planting & Growing Bermuda Pastures From Seed

Including Cheyenne II, Mohawk and Ranchero Frio Bermuda Grass Seed

Competition from other grasses and weeds is the number one reason for bermuda grass stand failure. Taking steps to reduce this competition will increase your chances of success.

Don't get in a hurry to plant. If soil temperature is not 65° F or higher at a depth of 4", bermuda grass will not germinate. This soil temperature occurs when air temperatures are 75 to 80 ° F. With a cold planting, when the seed does finally germinate it tends to be weaker and more subject to disease than seeds planted at the proper time when soil temperatures are 65 - 70 + degrees.

No-Till NEW Pasture Sites

• Be sure seed is not dropping too deep; 1/8"or less is ideal. One method to prevent deep planting is to pull the drop tubes from the openers and let the seed fall behind the opener to be pressed into the loosened soil by the press wheel.

• Be sure that existing residue is not too thick for seedlings to emerge and that the seed is making soil contact beneath the residue.

For Clean-tilled NEW Pasture Sites

• Prepare the ground well in advance. This allows the first flush of crabgrass and other competition to germinate that can be killed before planting Cheyenne II, Cheyenne, Ranchero Frio or Mohawk.

• Prepare a firm seedbed. Plow, disk and cultipack before and after planting.

• Several passes may be necessary to achieve proper firmness. Bermudagrass seed will not establish in a fluffy, loose seedbed. Take care to place seed at the proper depth of 1/8" or less.

Bermuda Grass Seed Pasture Planting Instructions

Planting Rate: 15 lbs./acre

Date: Late spring through early summer when soil temperatures are 65�F or above. Plow and cultipack to develop a firm seedbed. Proper firmness is indicated by a heel print no more than 1/8" deep in the soil. See the images below.

Depth: 1/8" depth maximum.

Fertilizer: Due to varying soil conditions and types it is necessary to conduct a soil test each year in order to supply the proper nutrients. Apply 20-30 lbs. of nitrogen at planting time. When the new plants start to run, apply 50-60 lbs. of nitrogen. After the stand is established, apply 70-100 lbs. of nitrogen after each cutting.

Management: If grazed, apply up to 150 lbs. of nitrogen per year in split applications throughout the summer. Last fertilizer application each year should be done 4 to 6 weeks before a killing frost to increase cold tolerance. Delay grazing until forage is 8" to 10" tall. Do not graze or clip for hay shorter than 2". Rotate animals more often during periods of drought stress.