Bermuda Grass Seed & Freezing Temperatures

Bermuda grass will die if temperatures consistently dip below freezing.

Bermuda grass is best suited for tropical climates. It serves as a playing surface for sporting events and as a landscaping material in places as varied as Africa, India and the southern United States. In the U.S., Bermuda grass can be grown as far north as the coastal areas of southern New Jersey and into the southwest, as long as there is proper irrigation. Planting Bermuda grass seeds can result in a lush, green lawn, as long as the growing conditions are correct.

Geography

Unlike hardier grasses like fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda grass is a tropical grass that prospers in high temperatures with significant amounts of rain. Bermuda grass will remain green all year if temperatures stay above 75 degrees F. It is best suited for daily temperatures in the 90s.

Check Air Temperature

Air temperature is a key factor when determining whether Bermuda grass seeds will thrive in your yard. Bermuda grass is generally not suitable in climates where low temperatures hit as low as the 10 degree F mark. When temperatures dip below freezing, the leaves of Bermuda grass can suffer serious stress. Sustained temperatures below 30 degrees F will kill the plants.

Soil Temperatures

Bermuda grass seed will not thrive in soil that is below 65 degrees F. The best soil temperature when trying to encourage the growth of Bermuda grass seed is at least 80 degrees F.

Dormancy

The plant will continue to grow if daytime temperatures reach the 70 degree F mark, but if average temperatures hover in the 50 degree range, the plant will go dormant. Its leaves will begin to turn brown. Once the plant is in this state, it will remain so until average temperatures begin climbing back above 50 degrees F.

Seed Types

Most varieties of Bermuda grass seed come in two forms--hulled and unhulled. Hulled seeds can be planted in the spring and summer, from May to mid-July. Unhulled seed should be planted before the growing season begins, in the late fall or winter.

References

• United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service :Bermuda Grass
• Texas Cooperative Extension: Bermuda Grass