Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon
Tough warm-season grass ideal for hot, sunny yards.
Care Instructions
Water deeply (1 inch per week) to encourage deep root growth. Water early morning to reduce evaporation. Bermuda tolerates drought by going dormant — it will green up when rain returns.
Demands full sun (8+ hours). Will thin out rapidly in shade. The most sun-loving of all common lawn grasses.
Adapts to nearly any well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0. Apply 1–2 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft monthly during growing season (April–September).
Seasonal Guide
Best Planting Time
Late spring (soil temp above 65°F). Seed or sod between May and July for best establishment.
Bloom / Growth Season
Actively grows April through October in most regions. Spreads aggressively via stolons and rhizomes — can overtake garden beds.
Dormancy
Turns brown and dormant after first frost. Greens up quickly in spring once soil warms. Overseed with ryegrass for winter color.
Common Problems & Solutions
Thatch buildup (spongy lawn)
Dethatch aggressively in late spring with a vertical mower or power rake every 1–2 years.
Invasion into flower beds
Install a 4–6 inch metal edging barrier. Hand-pull runners regularly. Spot-treat with grass-selective herbicide.
Dollar spot fungal disease (silver dollar-sized brown spots)
Apply nitrogen fertilizer to strengthen turf. Use fungicide (thiophanate-methyl) for severe cases.
Plant Details
USDA Zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b +4
Maintenance
moderate
Mature Height
6-12 in
Native Regions
Africa
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