The Best Bermuda Grass Seed: Reviews and Recommendations

You’re probably here because you are wondering what the best bermuda grass seed is to use on your lawn. The truth is, that depends on how much effort you are willing to put in. See our recommendations below to find the best fit for your lawn goals.

If you live in a warm climate, (growing zones 7-10) and your lawn is not up to your standards, it may be time to look into seeding Bermuda.

During warmer months, seeding turf type tall fescue and other cool season grasses, will ultimately be a failure as these grasses will not survive summer temperatures. 

On the other hand, Bermuda loves the heat.  If temperatures are warm or you live in a warmer climate this hardy grass option is your best bet

What Type of Bermuda Grass Should I Plant?

There are many different varieties of bermuda to choose from. 

Traditional and common bermuda tend to have larger leaf blades and are not as dark in color.  This type of bermuda will look good at a higher height of cut and will traditionally require less inputs.

New varieties, or hybrid bermuda, have been genetically modified for a  deeper green color and a finer leaf blade.  These varieties will require a little more effort from the homeowner and look best when cut below 1 inch with a reel mower.

The diversity of bermuda grass is one of its best attributes.  When choosing which seed to use take into consideration how much maintenance you are willing to perform once established.

Below, we have ranked our favorite seed choices from low to high maintenance.  

After choosing your desired seed please review our tips for determining how much seed you need,  planting your new seed and bermuda maintenance to give you the best lawn on the block.

The Best Bermuda Grass Seed Picks

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Outsidepride Royal TXD Bermuda Grass Seed

The Royal TXD bermudagrass seed (formerly LaPrima) was genetically designed to produce a very high quality turf and to help the variety adapt and become more established in the U.S. This seed produces a very high density and dark green color making it our top pick if you want a lush green bermuda lawn. Stands up to high heat, prevents weed invasion and spreads easily to increase coverage and repair patchy areas.

Cons

• None

Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass Seed

This is Scotts all-in-one fertilizer coated Bermuda seed. Specifically designed for drought resistance, full sun and high traffic areas. Also great for new lawns and for overseeding common bermuda areas that have been warn.

Pros

• Fast germination
• Drought tolerant
• Finer leaf blade compared to common Bermuda
• Coated seed to help retain moisture during seeding
• Optimal mowing height from 1½ to 2 inches

Cons

• Small percentage of weed seeds present in this product

Outsidepride Arden 15 Hybrid Bermuda Grass Seed

Hybrid Bermuda seed that produces a dense turf. Arden 15 seed will provide a fine leaf texture and deeper green color compared to other Bermuda grasses available.  If you are not shy of a little extra work Arden 15 can provided you a golf course quality lawn.

Cons

• Good germination but slow to completely fill in
• Looks best if mowed with gas reel mower

Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Bermudagrass

This Bermudagrass seed from Scotts is a triple threat: an all-in-one seed, mulch, and fertilizer. If you’re trying to grow grass in tough conditions, this is the seed you need. Designed specifically to do well in hot, dry and high traffic areas. If you are looking to patch or repair your Bermuda lawn, this is the product you need.

Pros

• Controlled release fertilizer included
• Tackifier prevents seed from washing away – even on slopes
• Designed to withstand tough conditions like heat and high traffic
• Mulch protects the seed and improves germination and survival rates

Cons

• This is not just seed, it includes mulch and fertilizer
• Best used for patching, not an entire lawn

Tierra Verde Bermuda Grass Seed Blend

This product is a great all purpose Bermuda seed.  Works well for fields and pastures, but looks equally great in landscaped lawns.

Pros

• Drought tolerant
• Low maintenance
• Highly durable
• Coated seed to help retain moisture during seeding
• Blend of two varieties
• Optimal mowing height from 1½ to 2 inches

Cons

• Better options available if only used for lawns

LaPrima Bermuda Grass Seed

The perfect blend of two Bermuda varieties.  This Bermuda hybrid seed has medium sized blades and looks great in lawns. LaPrima has good cold tolerance and will give you longer lasting green into the fall.

Cons

• None

Your Bermuda Grass Seed Questions Answered:

What are the Optimal Growth Conditions for Bermuda Grass?

There are a few things to consider before you seed bermuda.  First confirm your USDA growing zone is within zones 7-10 to accommodate bermuda’s growing needs. Bermuda also needs a lot of sun, at minimum of 6 hours a day. 

Bermuda is not too picky about soil types or ph levels which in-turn aids its resilient nature.  When seeding bermuda you want to prepare a good seedbed.  Make sure the top layer of soil is not overly compacted and is broken-up an inch or two.

What is the best time to plant Bermuda grass seed?

Bermuda is a warm season grass and will go dormant in most grown zones in the winter. 

Bermuda will bolt into action in the spring when soil temperatures are over 65 degrees.  This will also be the optimal time for spring seeding. 

Bermuda seed can be planted up to about 6-8 weeks before the Fall’s first frost.

Bermuda is moderate to slow to fully establish, so planting earlier in the season is best. 

It can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks for your new bermuda lawn to completely fill in.  One of the best tricks to promote faster establishment is to mow early and often. 

Once your bermuda germinates to your desired height start mowing. 

Mowing 2-3 times a week early on with help to establish your desired height as well as promote lateral growth and help your new lawn fill in.

Bermuda seeds are small and as there are upwards of 1,000,000 seeds per pound. 

Coverage for seeding is best at about 2lbs per 1,000sq feet of lawn.  For example if you are seeding 10,000 sq feet you would need to sow 20lbs of seed. 

Seeding is best performed with a broadcast spreader on the lowest setting that the spreader will successfully throw the seeds.  It’s best to make multiple perpendicular passes to ensure proper coverage. 

Always reference the seeding rate on the label for your desired seed. 

After your seeds are on the ground lightly rake the seeds so they are approximately ¼” below the topsoil.  It is imperative to have good seed to soil contact to promote germination.  For this step you can use a water roller or have the family walk on the dirt to ensure good contact. 

One of the best tricks to promote faster establishment is to mow early and often. 

Once your bermuda germinates to your desired height start mowing.  Mowing 2-3 times a week early on with help to establish your desired height as well as promote lateral growth and help your new lawn fill in.

How often should I water Bermuda grass?

While it’s Seeding

Once your seeds are down it’s time to water.  Until your seeds have fully germinated it is best to always keep them moist.  This is performed through frequent watering during the day for shorter durations.  10-15min, 3-5 times a day will help keep the seeds from drying out and improve germination. 

Do not over water and try to avoid puddling as seed may washout and leave bare areas.  

Once it’s Established

Once established bermuda is a heat and sun lover but will require rain or irrigation during the growing season to help retain color and promote growth.  Depending on your climate an inch of rain or irrigation a week will keep your bermuda going strong. 

Bermuda is moderate to slow to fully establish.  It can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks for your new bermuda lawn to completely fill in. 

One of the best tricks to promote faster establishment is to mow early and often.  Once your bermuda germinates to your desired height start mowing. 

Mowing 2-3 times a week early on with help to establish your desired height as well as promote lateral growth and help your new lawn fill in.

Can you overseed bermudagrass?

If you already have a bermuda lawn and you are thinking of overseeding you need to do a quick analysis to determine if overseeding is right for you. 

While looking at your lawn, if 50% or more is desirable bermuda you may not need to seed.  Bermuda is hardy and spreads aggressively if you apply  fertilizer during the warmer growing months.

The beauty of bermuda’s ability to aggressively spread is that if there is bermuda it will grow.  If your analysis of your lawn concludes that your overall coverage of desirable bermuda grass is less than 50%, your bermuda lawn is a good candidate for overseeding.

Action Step: Learn When to Overseed Bermuda

How to Care For a Bermuda Lawn

Bermuda’s characteristics make it a great candidate for a warm season lawn.  Bermuda is drought tolerant and rugged.  For a quality low maintenance lawn bermuda is king.  

For minimalist lawn care here are a few tips to keep your grass looking good.

• Scalp your lawn in early spring.  Drop your lawnmower one notch below your normal cutting height for the first mow of the season.  After this first cut return your lawnmower to your desired height of cut. Scalping will promote new growth going into the growing season. 

• Cutting your bermuda at 1½ inches is the sweet spot for a rotary mower
  
• Cutting your bermuda at ¾ of an inch is best if your using a reel mower

• Give it ample fertilizer (nitrogen) every month during the growing season.

• Dig out unwanted weeds and grasses and they will fill in