Maximize Bermuda Grass growth: The best fertilizers for a thriving lawn
Bermuda grass is scientifically known as Cynodon dactylon and belongs to the family Poaceae. This grass has multiple names, including couch grass (Australia and New Zealand), crabgrass (Bermuda), dog grass, devil’s grass, wiregrass, and scutch grass. This turfgrass consists of grey green blades, usually 1-10 inches long, while the stems are slightly flattened. Bermuda grass flourishes at a maximum of 99°F in a fully sunny environment while going into dormancy in winter.
Bermuda grass has a swift growth rate and a resilient nature that allows it to easily tolerate various environmental conditions, so it is widely grown on golf greens, pastures, and lawns. The Bermuda grass is famous in India because Hindus use it in their religious rituals and Ayurveda as “Durva.”
It requires regular moving to keep it managed; otherwise, it gets too dense and becomes a habitat of various pests and diseases. It can bear heavy foot traffic and is the best choice for playgrounds, sports fields, public lawns, and parks. It is cost-effective, suppresses many weeds, and rapidly recovers through stolons and rhizomes.
To maintain a consistent nutrient supply for the fast growth of the Bermuda grass, it is crucial to keep it fertilized, which boosts its color, prevents diseases, and improves its resilience. Although the grass has fast growth and needs minimal care, it is still recommended to consult a professional before growing it to get guidelines about the best variety to grow in a specific environment, soil conditions, including PH and nutrients, necessary tools, and caring tips at different stages.
Growcycle provides Bermuda grass growers with healthy seeds, the right tools, customized fertilizers, nutrient supplements, sprays tailored to each type, and pH balancers. They ensure the grower's access to high-quality seeds and a wide variety of knowledge about different methods of propagation and growth. They also guide growers on how Bermuda grass can stay green throughout the year using sustainable practices while spending minimal resources.
Bermuda Grass Nutritional Requirements
Like all other grasses, Bermuda grass needs specific formulas at every growth stage to fulfill its nutritional requirements. Some of the major nutrients required for fast and healthy Bermuda growth are urea, ammonium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, etc., and they are divided into macro and micronutrient categories.
Macronutrients for the Bermuda Grass
Urea and Ammonium Nitrate: These are two major fertilizers that promote lush green leaves in Bermuda grass because of their rich nitrogen content, a base of vigorous health in the active season. Along with leaves, they are also crucial for sturdy root growth to anchor the grass into the soil while increasing the root’s nutrient absorption surface area, promoting a massive number of tiny root growth in the soil.
Phosphorus: High phosphorus interaction is vital for Bermuda grass growth, and soil pH can affect availability. In alkaline soils, this phosphorus binds with calcium, while in acidic pH, it binds with iron and decreases its availability for grass. Starter fertilizers can solve this competition by providing rich phosphorus for root development.
Potassium: Potassium supply in Bermuda grass ensures plant health during drought and hot months. It activates stomatal functions to prevent water loss and provide resistance against leaf spots and brown patches. The need for phosphorus can be fulfilled by delivering potassium rich fertilizers or natural compounds available in various markets.
Calcium: Calcium boosts Bermuda's structural integrity if adequately absorbed by grass. Lime can provide calcium, but it is crucial to use it cautiously; otherwise, its excessive application can disturb the soil's natural pH.
Sulfur: Bermuda needs sulfur to synthesize protein and enzyme reactions. It is present in lawn soil, but robust improvement is required to remove growth hurdles if deficiencies are detected. It also plays a key role in soil PH maintenance and chlorophyll production in photosynthesis.
Micronutrients For Bermuds Grass
Iron: Bermuda grass is green because iron plays a key role in photosynthesis. A consistent supply of iron produces a light and vibrant dark green color, which is soothing and eye-catching. Iron greatly impacts mental health and enhances calmness. Ironite-like supplements are the best solutions to treat any iron deficiency in Bermuda.
Copper: Like iron, copper is an enzyme activator that plays a significant role in photosynthesis and chlorophyll production. Its deficiency can significantly destroy plant leaves, changing their vibrant green color into a dark blue and stunting plant growth.
Manganese: One of the early stages of photosynthesis involves splitting water molecules, and manganese plays a crucial role in this process. It also boosts nitrogen uptake from the soil to the leaves and helps maintain several enzyme actions in the plant. Its deficiency leads to plant degeneration and reduces photosynthesis.
Zinc and Molybdenum: Zinc plays a crucial role in forming carbohydrates and proteins in plants while maintaining the chlorophyll production process. Its deficiency results in stunted or poor Bermuda grass growth. On the other hand, molybdenum is a key element in nitrogen metabolism, but it is required in a very small amount. Its deficiency can affect nitrogen fixation, resulting in a disturbed nitrogen cycle and poor nutrient absorption through the plant's roots.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fertilizer
Before applying fertilizers to Bermuda grass, it is crucial to consider the soil condition, lawn requirements, fertilizer type, grass condition, and the grower’s budget availability. This will help the grower make a calculated plan for long-lasting and effective results.
Soil Condition
Fertilizers are the lawn’s lifeline, and their selection should be perfect. A soil test before selecting fertilizer tells about the lawn's hidden needs. It should be performed before fertilizer application to determine the soil's pH and nutrient level. Bermuda grass needs slightly acidic to neutral soil between pH 5.8 and 7.0. If the soil test gives a pH variation, it must be amended before applying fertilization. The soil texture also decides nutrient supply, such as sandy soil, which requires more applications than clay soil.
Lawn Requirements
The schedule and types of fertilizers can also be settled according to the lawn condition and the growth season of Bermuda grass because its nutritional needs vary according to changes in the growth season. It requires more nitrogen and other nutrients during early growth and the active season, while in dormancy, the requirements shuffle with potassium and phosphorus to stay hydrated and healthy in frost weather. Therefore, the fertilizers can be chosen according to season with the required nutrient ratio.
Budget
Lawn owners should choose fertilizers according to their price range by comparing the needs of frequent application or cost per square application. An expensive fertilizer can disturb the budget if applied to a larger area several times. Slow-release fertilizers can prove economical because their initial price may be greater than quick-release fertilizers, but long-term nutrient supply saves the hassle of frequent application.
Fertilizer Type
Several fertilizers have the same nutrient value; the selection should be finalized by comparing their price, application method, eco-friendly factors, and required applications. Granular fertilizers are easy to apply by spreading directly on the grass, and they release nutrients at a slow speed to provide steady growth. Conversely, liquid fertilizers require special handling and have a risk of nutrient runoff; they release their nutrients quickly, and growers require repetition in applying these fertilizers.
The Best Fertilizers for Bermuda Grass Growth
Maintaining a lush and healthy lawn requires the right nutrients, and choosing the best fertilizer can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to the best fertilizers for a thriving lawn.
1. Down To Earth Langbeinite
This natural mineral fertilizer contains essential nutrients, sulfur, potassium, and magnesium, to improve the health of Bermuda grass. Potassium improves the root structure and enhances stability to resist disease attack and help maintain growth during drought periods, whereas magnesium boosts green color.
Down To Earth Langbeinite helps to upgrade the soil structure by enhancing drainage and infiltration to prevent the grass soil from waterlogging. This fertilizer leads to healthy grass and a wealthy lawn that enhances its aesthetic beauty and value.
2. HiYield 4# Muriate Of Potash
HiYield 4# Muriate Of Potash Muriate is a valuable synthetic fertilizer for Bermuda grass. The potassium content in this fertilizer activates stomatal closure to maintain high water and reduce evaporation on hot days. The robust root growth due to potassium allows grass to absorb well soil nutrients and water. It promotes balanced growth and reduces patches, making it ideal for lawn grass use. This fertilizer is spread evenly as a granule in the whole lawn, and watering helps penetrate it in the soil.
3. Fertilome 32oz Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
Fertilome 32oz Fish Emulsion Fertilizer is highly recommended for plants due to its organic, nutrient rich, and highly active nature. The fertilizer has balanced vital nutrients and trace nutrients, which enhance microbial activity in grass soil. It is more environmentally friendly and has less risk for chemical runoff. It improves water retention, which is beneficial for Bermuda grass to sustain in stress conditions. This fertilizer is quickly absorbed in the soil, making it an ideal choice for faster growth results.
4. Down To Earth Kelp Meal
Down To Earth Kelp Meal is prepared from seaweed, which enriches it with micronutrients that may hardly be available in conventional organic fertilizers. These nutrients are crucial in stimulating root growth in the presence of growth hormones such as auxins and cytokinins. Kelp also helps water retention and upgrades the soil structure by absorbing the required moisture.
Kelp meal boosts Bermuda grass immunity and acts as a defensive wall against pest attacks. Regularly using this fertilizer improves Bermuda grass appearance, making it look more green, enhancing the turf density, and making it more complicated and resistant to environmental conditions.
5. Roots Organics Non-GMO Organic Soybean Meal
Roots Organics Non-GMO Organic Soybean Meal has a rich nutrient composition that boosts the lush green color, leaf growth, and overall density of the grass. This slow-release fertilizer ensures a steady supply of nutrients for a longer duration, reducing the risk of nutrient burn and leading to consistent growth.
It also boosts microbial activity by decomposing naturally existing organic matter and turning it into readily available essential nutrients. As an organic fertilizing option, it is environmentally friendly, reducing the pollution factor, which is dangerous for both plants and human beings.
6. Down To Earth Alfalfa Meal
Down To Earth Alfalfa Meal has several benefits, such as its composition from ground alfalfa, which benefits multiple plants, including Bermuda grass. Its rich nutrient profile highlights it among other organic fertilizers. It has rich primary and secondary nutrients and trace minerals to support the vigorous growth of grass.
Alfalfa meal releases nutrients slowly and ensures steady development in Bermuda grass by reducing the risk of nutrient leaching. It maintains the pH level and appropriately absorbs nutrients and water for healthy grass growth. This formula in late spring contributes to growth activation and boosts the enzyme reaction.
7. Grow More Seaweed Extract
Grow More Seaweed Extract is prepared by mixing various types of seaweed, which increases its nutrient profile and makes it ideal for Bermuda grass growth. This fertilizer's natural compounds optimize Bermuda grass's efficiency in absorbing nutrients from the soil, and the enriched growth hormones in seaweed improve overall root health.
By enhancing soil structure and root health, Bermuda grass can bear water stress and maintain water retention in dry periods. Seaweed extract is applied in liquid form with a water can or sprayer to ensure an even supply, resulting in fast absorption and relatively quick results.
8. Sustane 21gm 3-5-3 Compost Tea Bags OMRI
Sustane 21gm 3-5-3 Compost Tea Bags OMRI is helpful for Bermuda grass because its microorganisms break down organic matter and increase grass availability. In decomposition, the essential nutrients are released into the soil, where grass roots absorb them to improve health and soil structure.
Compost Tea Bags contain balanced nutrients that strengthen the grass and make its appearance thicker and brighter. They can also suppress harmful pathogens and act as a natural defender against disease attacks. Compost tea is applied in liquid form with the help of a water can to ensure a balanced application for equal growth in the whole lawn.
Application and Timing
Fertilization in Bermuda grass requires special considerations and guidelines to maintain its greenery and root health. This grass has special seasons to apply fertilizers, and each has its own nutrient requirements:
Spring Season
The season starts in late March and ends in May when grass becomes active from its dormancy period. A balanced fertilizer in this season kicks off root development and greenery.
Summer Season
This season, also called a mid-growth season for Bermuda grass, lasts from June to August. The additional nutrient supply, especially nitrogen, helps maintain the grass's density.
Fall Season
The season is continuous from September to November. One application of a slow-nitrogen-content fertilizer in early fall can prepare the grass for winter and its dormancy. Late fall applications should be avoided to prevent late-season growth.
Application Guidelines
A 1-1.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet formula is ideal for one-season application. Fertilizer should be applied in the early morning when dew drops, and cool temperatures allow it to be absorbed in the soil without damaging the grass. Extreme hot weather should also be avoided because the grass can burn with application stress.
Fertilization before rainfall or frequent watering after fertilization is best to allow the nutrients to absorb in deep soil and prevent nitrogen leaching. Using a sprayer for liquid formulas and a broad spreader for granules helps in an even application and prevents patch formation.
Bermuda Grass Maintenance Tips
Bermuda grass thrives best with proper care and maintenance, including mowing techniques, fertilization, watering, thatch management, and pest monitoring.
- Bermuda grass should be mowed at 1-2 inches in height and repeated after 5-7 days to enhance its density and give it a carper-like texture with a lush green appearance. Dull blades should be avoided during mowing to prevent leaf tears.
- The aeration process is also crucial to promoting solid roots and nutrient absorption; the lawn must be aerated yearly during growth season, which can give fantastic nourishment results.
- Thatch can compete for water and nutrient absorption; it should be removed from the lawn with special machines and without damaging the roots of surrounding grass.
- The grass needs infrequent but deep watering instead of frequent and shallow watering. The lawn must be filled with 1 to 1.5 inches of water once a week. Watering in the early morning is more beneficial to prevent evaporating and fungal infection.
- Armyworms and spots on leaves are early signs of diseases and pest attacks. Early detection helps implement care measures and reduce the severity of the attack, so growers should continuously monitor the grass for any abnormal growth or leaf appearance signs.
Common Issues and Solutions
When soil is compacted, grass absorbs less water and nutrients, which slows its growth. Heavy traffic, machinery, or poor soil structure can cause soil compaction. Aerating the lawn can help improve air exchange and growth. Adding a thin layer of organic matter to the soil can also help with nutrient uptake. Here are some other common problems with Bermuda grass:
Phosphorus Lockout
Phosphorus lockout occurs due to the unavailability of phosphorus used in chemical reactions. It happens in high pH soils or soils with rich calcium and magnesium. Conducting soil test adjustments in pH can improve this issue. Applying lime to highly acidic soil and sulfur to high pH soil also improves the phosphorus availability for grass.
Thatch Accumulation
Thatch is a layer of organic material between grass and soil. Its small amount can not be harmful, while excessive growth can compete for water and nutrients, resulting in weak Bermuda grass growth. Appropriate machines should be used to dethatch the organic layer. It can also be removed manually from small lawns. Mowing techniques and frequent mowing also reduce the growth of thatch.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose affects the blades and crowns of Bermuda grass. Small, round, and hollow spots appear on leaves in this disease. Following infrequent watering and mowing schedules and applying fungicides can improve the growth and reduce the disease signs. Prevention from heavy traffic and excessive fertilizers also gives beneficial results.
Brown Patch
Brown patch is a common grass disease caused by a fungal infection. Its chances become higher in warm, humid weather. The signs appear in round circles with brown centers. Thinning the grass layers and providing proper air circulation can control its spread. Balanced fertilization and fungicide application also reduce the disease signs.
FAQs
Can I use the same fertilizer year round?
Because the plant needs different nutrients in different seasons due to changing weather conditions and growth patterns, using the same fertilizer throughout the year is not recommended. This will lead to certain nutrient deficiencies, while other accumulations disturb the soil PH and lead to toxicity. Customized growth fertilizers should be used in summer, while maintenance fertilizers should be used in the winter dormancy period.
How long does it take to see results after fertilizing?
The time may vary depending on the fertilizer types. Liquid fertilizers show faster results than granules, while granular fertilizers show faster results than organic matter.
Should I fertilize newly sodded or seeded Bermuda grass?
It is not recommended if the grower is not an expert because it needs careful timing and specific fertilizer types. A recommended time duration for newly sodded Bermuda grass is 4 to 6 weeks after growing, while for newly seeded Bermuda grass, the initial fertilization can be applied right after growing. However, it should be an initial starter, not a balanced fertilizer, which can be applied after 4 to 8 weeks.
The Bottom Line
Growing Bermuda grass indoors needs at least 4 to 6 hours of steady, full sunlight daily. So, growing it indoors is possible only by using artificial grow lights. These lights supplement natural sunlight and play the same role in plant growth. It is crucial to amend the soil to make it sandy and well-draining with an ideal pH of 6. The maximum grass growth should be no more than 2 inches, so frequently moving to prevent diseases and pest attacks is a wise move.
A balanced fertilizer with all the essential nutrients is crucial to keeping the grass healthy and the lawn wealthy year round. This can only be done by consulting an authorized agricultural and horticultural company like Growcycle, which offers various accessories, including everything crucial for growers to grow and maintain Bermuda grass.
Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice.
About the Author
Victor Miller 
Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture
Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.
Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.
