When To Plant Bermuda Seed In Texas

If you’re planning a new lawn in Texas, knowing when to plant bermuda seed is the most important step for success. Getting the timing right ensures your grass establishes strong roots before facing the state’s harsh summer heat or unexpected winter chills.

This guide will walk you through the optimal spring schedule, tailored for Texas’s unique climate zones. We’ll cover soil prep, planting steps, and aftercare to give your lawn the best possible start.

The short answer is late spring. You need to wait until the soil is consistently warm. Bermuda grass is a warm-season plant, and it will not germinate in cool soil.

The ideal soil temperature for Bermuda seed germination is 65°F to 70°F or higher. Air temperatures should be reliably above 80°F during the day. In most of Texas, this window opens from late April through early July.

Here’s a more detailed regional breakdown:

North Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth): Aim for early May to mid-June. A late frost can still occur in April, so patience is key.
Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio): The optimal time is late April to early June. The warmer climate here allows for a slightly earlier start.
South Texas (Corpus Christi, Brownsville): You can often begin in mid-April. The growing season here is the longest in the state.
West Texas (El Paso, Lubbock): Target late May to June. Elevation and dry air mean soil warms up a bit later.

Planting to early is a common mistake. If you seed while soil is still cool, the seeds will simply sit there and may rot or be eaten by birds. Waiting for the right warmth gets your lawn growing quickly.

Why Spring is the Best Time for Seeding

Spring sowing aligns perfectly with Bermuda grass’s natural growth cycle. The increasing warmth and longer daylight hours trigger vigorous growth.

This gives the young grass seedlings several months of prime growing conditions to establish a deep root system. A strong root system is what allows your lawn to survive the intense Texas summer drought and heat. It also helps it outcompete weeds.

Fall planting is generally not recommended for seeding Bermuda in Texas. There usually isn’t enough time for the grass to mature fully before winter dormancy, leaving it vulnerable to cold damage.

Preparing Your Site for Seeding

Good preparation is 80% of the battle. Taking the time to do this right makes all the difference in your results.

Clear the Area: Remove all debris, rocks, and existing weeds or grass. You want a clean slate for the new seed.
Test Your Soil: A soil test from your local county extension office is invaluable. It tells you exactly what nutrients your soil lacks and its pH. Bermuda prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Till the Soil: Loosen the top 4 to 6 inches of soil. This improves drainage and allows roots to penetrate easily. Break up large clods.
Amend the Soil: Based on your soil test, add amendments. This often includes adding compost for nutrients and sulfur or lime to adjust pH.
Level and Grade: Rake the area smooth, creating a slight slope away from your house for drainage. Fill in low spots to prevent puddling.
Firm the Seedbed: Gently roll or tamp the soil so it’s firm but not compacted. Seeds need good contact with soil particles to germinate.

Choosing the Right Bermuda Seed

Not all Bermuda seed is the same. For Texas lawns, common seeded varieties include:

Common Bermuda: Affordable and tough, but coarser in texture.
Improved Seeded Varieties (like ‘Blackjack’ or ‘Riviera’): These offer better density, finer texture, and improved drought resistance. They are often a better long-term investment.

Always check the seed label for purity and germination rate. Avoid mixes with a high percentage of “crop seed” or inert material.

The Step-by-Step Seeding Process

Once your site is prepped and the weather is warm, it’s time to plant.

Calculate Seed: You’ll typically need 1 to 2 pounds of Bermuda seed per 1,000 square feet. Check your specific product’s label.
Use a Spreader: For even coverage, use a broadcast or drop spreader. Calibrate it according to the seed bag’s instructions to avoid wasting seed.
Sow Half, Then Cross: Split your seed in half. Sow one half walking north-south. Then sow the second half walking east-west. This crisscross pattern ensures even distribution.
Rake Lightly: Use a leaf rake to very lightly rake the seed into the top 1/8 to 1/4 inch of soil. Do not bury it deeply.
Roll Again: Go over the area one more time with a light roller to ensure perfect seed-to-soil contact.
Apply Starter Fertilizer: Use a high-phosphorus starter fertilizer (like a 10-20-10 blend) to promote root growth. Apply it right after seeding according to the bag rate.

Critical Aftercare for New Seedlings

Your job isn’t done after seeding. The first few weeks require careful attention to moisture.

Watering: This is the most critical step. Keep the top inch of soil consistently moist, but not soggy. You may need to water lightly 2-3 times a day for short periods (5-10 minutes) to prevent the tiny seeds from drying out. Never let the soil surface dry completely during germination.
Germination Time: With warm soil (above 70°F), Bermuda seed typically sprouts in 7 to 14 days. If its cooler, it will take longer.
First Mowing: Mow for the first time when the grass reaches about 2 inches tall. Use a sharp mower blade and never remove more than 1/3 of the blade height at once.
Reduce Watering: As the lawn establishes, gradually water less frequently but more deeply to encourage deep roots. Start training the grass to rely on less frequent soakings.
First Full Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer about 4-6 weeks after germination, following soil test recommendations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steering clear of these errors will save you time and money.

Planting Too Early: The number one error. Warm soil is non-negotiable.
Poor Soil Prep: Skipping soil testing or tilling leads to weak, patchy grass.
Burying Seed Too Deep: Bermuda seed needs light to germinate well. Just a light raking is sufficient.
Inconsistent Watering: Letting seeds dry out kills them. Setting a timer reminders can help in the busy first weeks.
Using Weed Killer Too Soon: Do not apply any weed control products until after you have mowed the new lawn at least 3-4 times. The seedlings are very tender.

FAQ: Your Bermuda Seeding Questions Answered

Can I plant Bermuda seed in the fall in Texas?
It’s not ideal. The shortening days and cooling soil slow growth, giving seedlings insufficient time to harden off before winter. Spring is strongly recommended.

How long does it take for Bermuda seed to grow?
You’ll see sprouts in 7-14 days under ideal warm conditions. It takes about 8-10 weeks of good growth for it to become a fully established, durable lawn.

Should I cover the seed with straw?
In Texas, straw is often not necessary and can introduce weed seeds. If you need erosion control on a slope, use a very light layer of weed-free straw or a biodegradable erosion control blanket.

What if I have existing grass? Can I just overseed?
Overseeding thin Bermuda with more Bermuda seed is possible. You must mow the existing grass very short and dethatch it first so the new seed can reach the soil. The timing rules are the same—late spring.

When can my new lawn handle foot traffic?
Wait until the lawn is well-established, usually after 8-10 weeks. You should be able to mow it several times first. The roots need time to knit the soil together so it doesn’t get torn up.

By following this spring schedule and giving your Bermuda seed the warm soil it needs, you’ll be on your way to a thick, resilient lawn. The key is patience at the start and diligent care during those first crucial weeks. With proper timing and technique, you can establish a beautiful turf that thrives in the Texas climate for years to come.