If you’re planning a lawn in Phoenix, knowing when to plant Bermuda grass is the single most important step for success. The best planting time for this resilient turf is directly tied to our extreme desert heat, and getting it right makes all the difference.
Planting at the optimal moment gives your grass a strong head start. It allows the roots to establish deeply before facing stressful weather. Let’s look at the ideal schedule and how to prepare your yard for a thick, green lawn.
When to Plant Bermuda Grass in Phoenix – Best Planting Time for
For Phoenix and the surrounding low desert, the absolute best time to plant Bermuda grass is from late spring through the heart of summer. You’re aiming for a consistent window where soil temperatures are reliably warm.
The perfect planting period is from mid-April through July. The goal is to get seed down or sod laid when nighttime temperatures stay above 65°F and daytime highs are consistently in the 80s and 90s. This warm environment is what Bermuda grass seeds needs to germinate quickly and grow vigorously.
Planting to early in March or early April can be risky. A late cold snap can shock the young grass or prevent germination all together. Planting too late in August or September is also problematic. The grass won’t have enough time to mature before winter dormancy, leaving it weak.
Why Warm Season Grass Needs Warm Soil
Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass, which means it thrives in heat and goes dormant (turns brown) in winter. Its growth cycle is triggered by soil temperature.
- Germination Temperature: Bermuda grass seed requires soil temperatures at a minimum of 65°F, but it germinates best when soils are between 75°F and 90°F.
- Root Development: Warm soil encourages rapid root growth, which is critical for accessing water deep in our dry soil.
- Weed Competition: Planting in warm soil allows Bermuda to outcompete many cool-season weeds that fade in the summer heat.
Planting Bermuda Grass Seed vs. Sod
Your method of planting also influences your timing. Both seed and sod have the same overall season, but starting dates can vary slightly.
Planting Bermuda Grass Seed
Seeding requires the most precise timing because the tiny seeds are vulnerable. You should aim for the core period of May and June. The intense sun of July can sometimes dry out seeded areas to fast, requiring very diligent watering.
Steps for seeding:
- Prepare the soil by removing weeds and rocks.
- Till the top 4-6 inches and grade it level.
- Apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus.
- Spread the seed evenly using a broadcast spreader.
- Lightly rake the seed into the soil (about 1/4 inch deep).
- Water multiple times a day to keep the surface constantly moist until germination, which takes 7-14 days.
Laying Bermuda Grass Sod
Sod gives you an instant lawn and is less sensitive to exact dates. You can lay sod successfully from April through September, but earlier in the season is still better. The key is that the soil underneath must be warm for the sod roots to knit down.
Steps for sodding:
- Prepare the soil just as you would for seed.
- Order sod and have it delivered the day you plan to install it.
- Start laying sod along a straight edge, like a driveway, staggering the joints like bricks.
- Roll the sod after laying it to ensure good soil contact.
- Water immediately and deeply. Sod needs heavy watering twice a day at first to prevent the seams from drying out.
Preparing Your Phoenix Soil for Planting
Our native desert soil is often compacted, rocky, and low in organic matter. Proper soil preparation is non-negotiable for a healthy lawn.
- Clear the Area: Remove all existing weeds, grass, rocks, and debris.
- Test and Amend: Consider a soil test. Most Phoenix soils benefit from adding 2-4 inches of compost or other organic matter across the surface.
- Till and Grade: Till the compost into the top 6-8 inches of soil. Then, rake and grade the area so it slopes very slightly away from your house for drainage. This helps prevent water from pooling in certain spots.
- Level and Roll: Before planting, go over the area with a lawn roller half-filled with water to settle and reveal any low spots that need filling.
Watering Your New Bermuda Grass Lawn
Your watering strategy in the first few weeks determines life or death for your new lawn. The rules change as the grass establishes.
First 2-3 Weeks (Establishment): The goal is constant surface moisture. For seed, this means light watering 3-4 times a day. For sod, it means deep watering 1-2 times daily so the underlying soil and sod roots are wet.
After Root Establishment: Once grass is growing and roots are setting, shift to a deep and infrequent schedule. Water 1-2 times per week, but for a long enough duration to soak the soil 6-8 inches deep. This trains roots to grow downward.
Always water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal disease. An irrigation system with a timer is a wise investment here in Phoenix.
Fertilizing for Strong Growth
New Bermuda grass needs a nutritional boost. Use a starter fertilizer when you plant, which is higher in phosphorus (the middle number on the bag) to promote root growth.
After the lawn is mowed 2-3 times, begin a regular summer feeding schedule with a balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Feed every 6-8 weeks during the active growing season (May through September). Always follow the product label instructions to avoid burning the grass.
First Mowing and Ongoing Maintenance
Wait until your new Bermuda grass reaches about 2 inches tall before the first mow. For seeded lawns, this may take 3-4 weeks. For sod, it might be just 1-2 weeks.
- Ensure your mower blade is very sharp. A dull blade tears the grass, causing brown tips.
- Mow frequently, never removing more than one-third of the grass blade height at a time.
- For a typical hybrid Bermuda lawn in Phoenix, a mowing height of 1 to 1.5 inches is ideal during summer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Phoenix
Even with good timing, a few errors can undermine your efforts. Watch out for these common pitfalls.
- Planting Too Early or Late: Sticking to the April-July window is safest.
- Under-Watering at Start: Letting seed or sod dry out even once can cause permanent thin spots or failure.
- Over-Watering Later: Once established, too-frequent watering leads to shallow roots and disease.
- Poor Soil Prep: Skipping soil amendment in our hard clay soil results in a weak, struggling lawn.
- Mowing Too Low Too Soon: Let the grass get well-established before cutting it short.
FAQ: Planting Bermuda Grass in Phoenix
Can I plant Bermuda grass in the fall in Phoenix?
It’s not recommended. While September might still be warm, the grass won’t have the full 3-4 months of strong growth needed to mature before winter dormancy, leaving it vulnerable.
What is the best Bermuda grass variety for Phoenix?
For seed, common Bermuda or improved varieties like ‘Princess 77’ do well. For sod, hybrid varieties like ‘Tifway 419’ are very popular due to their dense growth and fine texture, but they must be installed as sod or plugs, as they don’t produce viable seed.
How long does it take for Bermuda grass seed to germinate in Phoenix heat?
With proper watering and soil temps above 80°F, you can see germination in as little as 7 days. It may take up to 14 days for full coverage.
Should I cover Bermuda grass seed with straw?
In Phoenix’s windy environment, straw is not usually needed and can introduce weeds. Lightly raking the seed into the soil is the preferred method. It protects the seed better from birds and sun.
When will my new Bermuda lawn be fully established?
You can expect light foot traffic in about 8-10 weeks from seeding. A sod lawn can handle traffic a bit sooner, in about 4-6 weeks, once the roots have firmly knit into the soil beneath.
By choosing the right window—late spring to midsummer—and following these steps, you’ll give your Bermuda grass the foundation it needs. The result will be a durable, green lawn that can handle our Phoenix sun and heat for years to come. Remember, the effort you put into preparation and initial care pays off with a much easier lawn to maintain down the road.