Stands may be established by use of seed, sprigs, or plugs planted during mid-spring to mid-summer followed by frequent applications of fertilizer and water. Early planting is most important in areas of marginal adaptability.
Beds for seeding or planting should be firm, smooth, and free of weed seed. For turf plantings, absolute smoothness is necessary for close mowing following establishment. Seed, sprigs, or plugs should be placed into moist soil.
For pasture or hay, drill 3 pounds pure live seed per acre at 1/2 inch depth or less. For turf, use 10 pounds of seed per acre. Higher seeding rates are advisable if seed must be broadcast. If using sprigs, broadcast by hand or with hydro-equipment. Punching and irrigation, if needed, must be done immediately following spreading to keep the sprigs from drying out. Surface soil moisture must be kept high while roots and shoots develop at the sprig nodes.
Fifteen bushels of sprigs per acre disk punched or covered with 1-1/2 inches of soil followed by irrigation as needed ordinarily gives fully established stands in one growing season. On saline soils planting in the side of furrows is desirable so salts will accumulate on the ridges above grass rows.
Use of sod rolls or plugs cut from sod is often a preferred method of establishing turf-type Bermuda on critical sites. Plugs of 3 inch diameter planted on 15 to 18 inch centers will ordinarily establish complete cover in 1 growing season with adequate fertilizer, moisture and half-day to full sun. Complete sodding is preferred for very critical areas or where immediate foot traffic is contemplated. Care immediately following planting is less critical on plantings of sod or plugs than turf-type sprigs.
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