When To Plant Bermuda Grass Seed In Texas

Getting your timing right is the most important step for a successful lawn. If you’re wondering when to plant bermuda grass seed in Texas, the short answer is late spring. This article gives you the clear, practical schedule you need to get it done perfectly.

Bermuda grass thrives on heat and sun. Planting too early risks cold soil stopping the seeds. Planting too late gives seedlings less time to establish before cooler weather. The sweet spot is when the soil is reliably warm.

The optimal window for seeding Bermuda grass across Texas is from late April through mid-July. For a more precise schedule, we can break the state into three general regions.

North Texas Schedule

This includes cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Wichita Falls. Here, winters are colder and last a bit longer.

Best Time: Early May to late June.
Key Signal: Wait until soil temperatures at a 2-inch depth consistently reach 65°F or higher. You can use a simple soil thermometer to check.
Goal: Seedlings need 8-10 weeks of strong growth before the first fall frost.

Central Texas Schedule

This covers Austin, San Antonio, and the Hill Country. The season is longer and warmer here.

Best Time: Late April to mid-July.
Key Signal: When daytime highs are regularly in the 80s and nighttime lows stay above 60°F.
Goal: Take advantage of the long, hot summer for deep root development.

South Texas & Gulf Coast Schedule

This region includes Houston, Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley. It has the longest, hottest growing season.

Best Time: Mid-April through July.
Key Signal: The soil warms up earliest here. You can often start as soon as the threat of a late-season cool snap has passed.
Goal: While you have a wide window, earlier planting is still better to beat the peak summer heat stress.

Why Spring is Prime Time

Spring sowing aligns with Bermuda grass’s natural growth cycle. The warming soil triggers germination. Long, sunny days fuel rapid growth. Spring rains (in most years) provide natural irrigation. This gives the grass all summer to develop a deep, drought-resistant root system before it goes dormant next winter.

Signs You’ve Waited Too Long

Planting after mid-July is risky. Seedlings won’t be mature enough to handle winter dormancy. They are more vulnerable to early frosts and will thin out. It’s usually better to wait until next spring than to seed too late in the fall.

Preparing Your Site for Seeding

Good preparation is 80% of the battle. Skipping steps here leads to patchy results and weed problems.

Step 1: Clear and Till

Remove all existing weeds, grass, and debris. For small areas, a garden rake or shovel works. For larger lawns, consider using a non-selective herbicide, then waiting 2 weeks. Till the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches to loosen it. This allows roots to penetrate easily.

Step 2: Test and Amend Soil

A soil test is the best investment you can make. It tells you exactly what your soil needs. You can get kits from your local county extension office. Bermuda grass prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

If soil is acidic (low pH): Add lime as the test recommends.
If soil is compacted clay: Add 2-3 inches of compost and till it in to improve drainage.
If soil is sandy: Add compost to improve water and nutrient retention.

Step 3: Level and Grade

Rake the tilled soil smooth. Break up large clods. Ensure the ground slopes away from your house’s foundation for proper drainage. A lawn roller (filled halfway with water) can help firm and level the seedbed.

The Seeding Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose Quality Seed

Select a improved, hulled Bermuda grass variety for better germination rates. Common seeded types include ‘Blackjack’, ‘Yukon’, and ‘Princess 77’. Check the seed label for purity and weed seed content.

Step 2: Calculate and Apply Seed

Bermuda grass seed is tiny. Use a broadcast spreader for even coverage. The typical rate is 1 to 1.5 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet. Split the seed into two batches. Apply one batch walking north-south, and the second batch walking east-west. This prevents streaks and missed spots.

Step 3: Cover and Firm the Seed

Do not bury the seed deeply. Lightly rake the area so that no more than 1/8 inch of soil covers the seeds. You can also spread a thin layer of weed-free straw or compost over the top. Go over the area again with a lawn roller to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, which is crucial for germination.

Post-Planting Care Schedule

Your work after planting determines your success. Consistency is key.

Watering: The Critical First Weeks

Keep the top inch of soil constantly moist, but not soggy, until seeds sprout. This usually means light watering 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes. Once seedlings are up (about 7-14 days), reduce frequency but increase depth. Water deeply to encourage roots to grow down.

First Mowing

Mow when the grass reaches about 2 inches tall. Never remove more than one-third of the blade height at once. Ensure your mower blade is very sharp to avoid tearing the young seedlings.

Fertilizing Your New Lawn

Wait until you’ve mowed at least 2-3 times before applying fertilizer. Use a balanced starter fertilizer high in phosphorus (the middle number on the bag) to promote root growth. A second application 6-8 weeks later will support it through the summer.

Weed Control

Avoid any weed killers until the new grass has been mowed at least 4 times. Hand-pull early weeds if possible. Pre-emergent herbicides will prevent your grass seed from germinating, so do not use them at planting time.

Common Seeding Mistakes to Avoid

Planting too early in cool soil. Patience is virture.
Using too much or too little seed. Follow the rate on the bag.
Watering too heavily and washing seeds away, or letting the seedbed dry out.
Applying a pre-emergent weed control at the wrong time.
Not preparing the soil properly. Don’t skip the tilling and leveling.

FAQ: Planting Bermuda Grass in Texas

Can I plant Bermuda grass seed in the fall in Texas?

It’s not recommended. Fall seeding rarely gives the grass enough time to establish strong roots before winter dormancy, leading to thin or dead grass next spring.

What is the best month to plant Bermuda grass in Texas?

For most of Texas, May is the ideal month. Soil is warm, air temperatures are rising, and the threat of frost is gone.

How long does it take for Bermuda seed to germinate?

With proper soil warmth (65°F+) and moisture, hulled Bermuda grass seed typically germinates in 7 to 14 days.

Can I just scatter Bermuda grass seed?

You can, but without proper soil contact and covering, germination rates will be very poor. Proper site prep and seeding methods make a huge difference in your results.

Should I mix Bermuda seed with topsoil?

It’s better to prepare the native soil and then cover the seed with a very thin layer of topsoil or compost. Mixing seed into a bag of soil and then spreading it often leads to uneven distribution.

Is it better to sod or seed Bermuda grass?

Sod gives an instant lawn but is more expensive. Seeding is far more cost-effective for large areas and, with the right timing and care, can produce a beautiful, thick lawn within a season.