Baggs

February through May is the time of year we think of establishing, improving or renovating our Bermuda grass pastures. With 10 different soil types within Denton County, ranging from stony clay to fine, sandy loam, this can be a challenge.

Combined with about 12 different varieties of hybrid Ber­muda grass such as Coastal, propagated from sprigs, and many seeded Bermuda grass varieties and blends such as common, propagated from seed, the question is, “Which one do I use?”

Let’s go back to 1943, when Coastal Bermuda grass was introduced. It was named for the Georgia Coastal Plain Experi­ment Station where it was developed. Coastal is a F1 hybrid, meaning that it does not produce viable seed and a cross between “Tift” Bermuda grass (found in an old cotton patch near Tifton, Ga.) and an introduced variety from South Africa. It seems all the new Bermuda grass hybrids are compared to the original Coastal variety during testing and yield evaluations.

A second type of Bermuda grass is “common,” which is propagated by seed. The seeded varieties do not germinate well at low temperatures, usually when the mean soil temperatures are 60 degrees or above. This is usually around April or early May.

When planting in May, you can run the risk of missing the rainy season, which is important when trying to establish Bermuda grass. The seeded varieties produce less forage and do not spread as quickly as their hybrid counterparts, but cost much less to establish.

If you are a small-acreage owner and are just looking for grazing pasture or conservation ground cover, then a seeded variety such as Wrangler, NK-37 or Giant or a blend of varieties work well.

These grasses have a more upright growth habit than common Bermuda and are propagated by seed. With minimal equipment, you can seed them yourself without having to hire a custom sprigger that is needed to plant the hybrid sprigs.

The hybrids are sterile and will not produce viable seed and must be vegetatively propagated with sprigs which are root pieces, rooted stolons or runners. This is done in late winter to early spring into moist soil. This type of planting is usually reserved for larger acreage due to expense and the special equipment needed.

Selection for a soil type should not be a problem. Most all of the varieties are adapted to a wide range of soils. But, as with any crop, to get the full potential it should be planted on a clean, well-prepared seed bed free of other plant competition.

Either seeded or hybrid Bermuda grass is well-established in Denton County and serves its purpose for extended periods if managed properly.