When To Plant Bermuda Grass In Arizona

If you’re planning a lawn in Arizona, knowing when to plant Bermuda grass is the most important step for success. The best planting times for Arizona revolve around harnessing the intense summer heat that this grass loves. Getting the timing right means the difference between a lush, durable turf and a patchy struggle. This guide will walk you through the ideal windows for different methods across the state’s varied climates.

Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass, which means it actively grows in the heat. Planting it during cooler months is the most common mistake. The seed will simply sit dormant or seedlings will fail to establish, leaving room for weeds.

For nearly all of Arizona, the prime planting season is from late spring through the heart of summer. You’re aiming for a period when soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F, and preferably climbing to 70-80°F. This warmth is crucial for germination and strong root development.

Best Planting Times by Region

Arizona’s climate isn’t uniform. Your specific timing depends on whether you’re in the low desert or the high country.

Low Desert (Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Casa Grande)

This region offers the longest and most ideal planting window. The intense, long-lasting heat is perfect for Bermuda.

Optimal Window: Late April through August.
Prime Time: May, June, and early July. Planting during these months gives the grass maximum time to establish before any potential cool weather in late fall.
Key Factor: Monsoon season (typically July-Sept) is actually a great time to plant, as the increased humidity and rainfall aid germination and reduce your watering needs.

High Desert & Elevated Regions (Prescott, Flagstaff, Payson)

These areas have a shorter summer season and cooler nights, which compresses the planting window significantly.

Optimal Window: Early June through mid-July.
Prime Time: June. You must wait until the threat of frost is completely gone and soils have warmed sufficently. Planting too late in the summer risks the turf not being mature enough to survive its first winter.

Planting by Method: Seed vs. Sod vs. Sprigs

Your chosen method of planting also influences your ideal timing. The goal is to give the grass at least 60-90 days of active growth before temperatures drop in the fall.

Planting Bermuda Grass Seed

Seeding requires the most careful timing, as germination depends entirely on soil warmth and consistent moisture.

Best Time: Late May through July. Early May can work in the low desert if temperatures are rising steadily.
Why: Soil temperatures are reliably high, and longer daylight hours promote growth. The later you seed within this window, the more diligently you’ll need to water to combat peak evaporation.

Laying Bermuda Sod

Sod gives you an “instant lawn” but it still needs warm conditions to knit its roots into your native soil.

Best Time: April through September in the low desert. June through August in higher elevations.
Why: You can start a bit earlier than seeding because the established sod piece is less vulnerable than a tiny seedling. However, laying sod in the peak July heat requires vigilant, multiple-daily watering to prevent the edges from drying out and dying.

Planting Bermuda Sprigs or Plugs

This method involves planting small pieces of live grass. It’s more forgiving than seed but slower than sod.

Best Time: May through July for all regions.
Why: Sprigs need warm soil to send out new runners and fill in the bare spaces between them. Planting during this period ensures aggressive growth and coverage.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve chosen your time, follow these steps for a strong start.

Soil Preparation (The Most Important Step): Remove all weeds, rocks, and old grass. Till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Amend compacted clay soil with compost to improve drainage. Level the area carefully to avoid low spots where water can pool.
Soil Testing & Amendment: A simple soil test can reveal pH and nutrient deficiencies. Bermuda prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Add sulfur to lower pH or lime to raise it, based on test results. Incorporate a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage root growth.
Planting:
- Seed: Spread seed evenly using a broadcast spreader. Lightly rake it into the soil no more than 1/4 inch deep. Bermuda seed needs light to germinate, so don’t bury it to deeply.
- Sod: Lay pieces tightly together in a staggered brick-like pattern. Roll the sod after laying to ensure good soil contact.
- Sprigs/Plugs: Plant sprigs every 6-12 inches or plugs on 12-inch centers in prepared soil.
Initial Watering: Water immediately and deeply after planting. For seed, keep the top 1-2 inches of soil constantly moist (not soggy) with light, frequent watering 2-3 times a day for the first 2-3 weeks. For sod and sprigs, water daily to prevent the roots from drying out.
First Mowing & Maintenance: Mow your new Bermuda for the first time when it reaches about 2 inches tall. Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade height at once. Begin a regular fertilization schedule 4-6 weeks after planting.

What to Avoid: The Worst Time to Plant

Just as critical as knowing when to plant is knowing when not to.

Fall (October onward): Soil temperatures drop, growth slows, and seedlings or new sod won’t have time to establish a deep root system before winter dormancy. They will likely die or be severely weakened.
Winter (December-February): The grass is completely dormant. Seed will not germinate, and sod will struggle to root, leading to high failure rates.
Early Spring (March-early April): While tempting, soil temperatures are often still to cool for reliable Bermuda germination and growth. A late cold snap can set you back completely.

FAQs: Planting Bermuda Grass in Arizona

Can I plant Bermuda grass in October in Arizona?

It is not recommended. While early October might still be warm in the low desert, the shortening days and cooling soil temperatures significantly reduce the chance of successful establishment before winter. It’s a high-risk endeavor.

Is July too late to plant Bermuda grass?

In the Phoenix/Tucson low desert, July is still a good time to plant, especially with the monsoon rains. In higher elevations like Flagstaff, mid-July is likely the cutoff for planting sod or sprigs, and seeding in July is probably to late.

How long does Bermuda seed take to germinate in Arizona heat?

Under optimal warm soil conditions (75-85°F), Bermuda seed typically germinates in 7-14 days. The intense Arizona summer heat can sometimes speed this up, but consistent surface moisture is absolutely critical—the seed can die if it dries out even once during this period.

Should I plant Bermuda or overseed with rye in the fall?

These are separate processes. You plant Bermuda in the late spring/summer for a permanent lawn. In the fall, some people overseed their dormant Bermuda lawn with perennial ryegrass for winter color. This is a temporary lawn that dies when summer heat returns, and the Bermuda takes back over.

What is the best Bermuda grass variety for Arizona?

For most home lawns, improved common Bermuda varieties (like ‘Sonesta’ or ‘Princess 77’) or hybrid varieties (like ‘Tifway 419’ or ‘TifTuf’) are excellent choices. Hybrids often offer better drought tolerance, finer texture, and denser growth but are typically only available as sod or sprigs, not seed.

Timing is everything in the Arizona garden. By aligning your Bermuda grass planting project with the state’s long, hot summer season, you work with nature instead of against it. Prepare your soil thoroughly, choose the right method for your schedule, and commit to a careful watering regimen at the start. Your reward will be a tough, resilient, and beautiful lawn that can handle the Arizona sun for years to come. Remember, a little patience in the spring leads to a much greener summer.