Bermuda grass, also known as Cynodon dactylon, is a hardy grass that may be found in many lawns in the United States. It is one of the most popular grasses among gardeners because of its drought and heat tolerance, as well as its capacity to survive heavy use.
Bermuda grass, which originated in South Africa, moving to the United States via Bermuda, includes over 50 varieties that can be divided into seeded Bermuda grass and hybrid Bermuda grass.
In this article, we’ll look at the various forms of Bermuda grass, their applicability, and other related information. It will assist you in comprehending this grass type and selecting the ideal one for your needs based on local temperature, geography, and preferences.
Types of Bermuda Grass Worth Knowing
As previously stated, every type of Bermuda grass falls into one of two categories: common Bermuda or hybrid Bermuda. In this part, we’ll look at some of the most common types of Bermuda grass seen in the United States and other nations.
1. Blackjack
Type: Common Bermuda
The Bermuda grass Blackjack is perfect for golf courses. This grass is robust, has dense coverage, and heals quickly, making it a popular choice. It can also stand up to a lot of foot traffic. Furthermore, its capacity to remain green and lush even during the summer months distinguishes it from other types.
Pro tip: Blackjack seeds should be planted at a rate of 2-3 lbs per 1,000 sq. feet when the soil temperature is somewhere around 65°F.
2. Jackpot
Type: Common Bermuda
Jackpot Bermuda grass is a combination of functionality and aesthetics that is ideal for baseball grounds. This grass has a leaf thickness that ranges from medium to high. This turf is also lush and colorful, with soft garden beds that are great for those who enjoy spending time outside.
3. Ormond
Type: Common Bermuda
Ormond Bermuda grass has thin, short leaves that are bluish-green, making it stand out among other Bermuda grass species. Although this grass does not provide dense coverage, it is recommended for its pest and disease resistance. In addition, Ormond Bermuda grass requires little upkeep. These are commonly found at playgrounds and arenas. If you reside in a harsh climate, though, you should avoid them.
4. Oasis Blend
Type: Common Bermuda
The Oasis Blend Bermuda grass is easy to grow and maintain, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. This grass kind, which is commonly found in playgrounds, parks, sports fields, and even home lawns, retains its luster even after being subjected to heavy foot traffic.
5. Yuma
Type: Common Bermuda
This type, which is developed from fodder grasses, matures to an emerald hue. Yuma is commonly used on golf courses because of its glossy and dense appearance. This variety is preferred because of its salt and drought resilience. Yuma, on the other hand, requires sunlight to thrive. You can grow this variety from seeds as well as sods.
6. La Prima
Type: Common Bermuda- Improved Variety
La Prima is a cross between La Paloma and Sahara turfs, with characteristics that are similar to hybrid kinds. What we mean is that this improved common Bermuda grass has a delicate leaf texture as well as disease resistance ability. It is also popular among home gardeners because of its affordability, ease of growth, and minimum maintenance.
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7. Sahara
Type: Common Bermuda- Improved Variety
If you live in a hot environment, the Sahara Bermuda grass is an excellent addition to your landscape. Sahara Bermuda gives lawns a lush, green appearance and can withstand high heat. It is abrasion tolerant, which means it can survive a lot of foot traffic while remaining fresh and vibrant. Sahara doesn’t require special soil conditions to thrive, and it can prosper with little fertilizing.
8. Mohawk
Type: Common Bermuda- Improved Variety
Mowhawk is a high-quality turf with exquisite deep green leaves. This grass grows best in colder places because it can withstand intense cold. It goes, however, dormant over the winter months, and begins to develop again once the weather warms up. Mohawk takes its name from the Mohawk Valley in Arizona, where it was originated. The ability of this Bermuda grass to flourish in high-salinity soil is its distinguishing attribute.
9. Yukon
Type: Common Bermuda- Improved Variety
Yukon was bred at Oklahoma State University and is a wonderful turf for cooler climates. The cold tolerance of this seeded Bermuda grass is particularly impressive. It has a bright green tint that continues vertically, giving the turf a lovely appearance. If you are in Arizona and Oklahoma, you would find Yukon turf on local playgrounds, parks, roadsides, and even home lawns. Purchase Yukon seeds from a reputable gardening store to ensure better quality grass.
Also Read: 12 Amazing and Easy DIY Corner Garden Ideas for Your Yard
10. TifGrand
Type: Hybrid Bermuda- Enhanced
Dr. Wayne Hanna developed TifGrand, the world’s very first sterile triploid Bermudagrass. This is a better hybrid Bermuda grass type that has been modified to endure up to 50% shade. TifGrand can be propagated as a dormant sod that is known for having higher disease resistance than most other Bermuda grasses. That said, this hybrid Bermuda grass is drought resilient, however, it will require 1 to 1 1/4 inches of water each week throughout the summer months.
11. Tifway II
Type: Hybrid Bermuda- Mutant of Tifway
If you’re seeking the most beautiful Bermuda grass species for your lawn, go no further than Tifway Bermuda grass. Tifway II is a Tifway hybrid that is more resistant to cold and parasites. Tifway II also has a shorter winter dormancy period, allowing it to maintain its green sheen for longer during the summer and autumn months. Tifway II is a popular grass type for golf courses and recreation areas due to its endurance, restorative powers, and dark green appearance.
12. TifSport
Type: Hybrid Bermuda
Hardiness, cold resistance, herbicide tolerance, and exquisite texture are just a few of the characteristics that set TifSport apart from the competition. TifSport is also tolerant of close mowing, which gives your grass a well-kept appearance. It’s ideal for sporting fields, golf courses, and other recreational locations. Keep in mind that TifSport Bermuda grass is only available through vegetative propagation.
13. Russell
Type: Hybrid Bermuda- Great for Hay Production
Russell is another Bermuda grass that is cultivated from vegetation. It is a winter-hardy grass that produces excellent hay. Russell County, Alabama, is where it was initially discovered in the 1970s, and it is from there that it gets its name. Russell produces both rhizomes and stolons and has one of the greatest root systems of any hybrid. It also produces a thick grass layer that can withstand grazing. Horse owners often prefer hay made out of Russell, as horses love to feed on them.
14. Coastal Bermuda Grass
Type: Hybrid Bermuda- Great for Hay Production
The Coastal Bermuda grass is one of the finest Bermuda grasses producing rhizomes and stolons and surviving in any climate. This Bermuda grass type, first published in 1943, is one of the most successful fodder varieties developed in the twentieth century, producing twice as much forage as most regular Bermuda grasses.
15. Midland
Type: Hybrid Bermuda- Great for Hay Production
Midland Bermuda grass is comparable to Coastal Bermuda grass and is good for producing high-quality hay. This variety is a cross between Coastal and a winter-hardy variety from Indiana that was developed in Oklahoma in 1953. Midland has mainly been supplanted by Tifton 44, yet it still exists in some parts of north Georgia. Midland 99, however, is a recent cultivar from this series with a broader adaptability range.
Bermuda Grass- Classification
We can broadly divide Bermuda grass into two forms: hybrid Bermuda and common Bermuda. All distinct kinds are grouped within these two major groups.
Hybrid Bermuda
A cross-product of common Bermuda and African Bermuda is hybrid Bermuda, also known as sterile vegetative hybrids. The tiny leaves of this kind are its most distinguishing feature, making it extremely desired. Hybrid Bermuda does not have seeds, unlike Common Bermuda. These can be created in the following ways:
Sods
The extraction of patches from the existing grass turf and then planting in a different location.
Plugs
Seedlings are grown in a tray to be replanted in the desired spot.
Sprigging
Sprigs or twig of grass is installed.
Common Bermuda
Seeds are used to propagate common Bermuda. To cover 1000 square feet of land, you’ll need 2-3 pounds of seeds. Because it depends on the type of seeds you’re sowing, not all ordinary Bermuda grass is of equal grade.
Unlike hybrid Bermuda, this kind has a high nutritional value and can be used as livestock feed and hay. The following are among the characteristics that make common or seeded Bermuda so popular:
- Heat tolerance
- Withstanding heavy foot traffic
- Low maintenance
- Ease of growing
Exception
There are two types of Bermuda grass- ‘Texturf 10’ and ‘Princess’ that fall under the exception category.
The Textured 10 is a seeded Bermuda grass that can only produce seeds when pollen from other Bermuda grasses is present. Princess, on the other hand, is a hybrid that produces seeds. Its seeds can be distinguished primarily by their dark hue and delicate texture.
You May Also Read: How To: Growing Grass From Seed (GUIDE)
Buyer’s Guide to Buy Bermuda Grass
After developing some ideas about the top varieties of Bermuda grass available, it is now time to focus on some factors that you should consider while buying Bermuda grass.
As we stated above, there are broadly two types of Bermuda grass categories and they comprise all the different varieties of this grass type. Some Bermuda grass type is great for home lawns, while others are better suited for public parks, playgrounds, and sports fields. On the other hand, some are great for hay production. Hence, it is recommended to go through the grass types and their usage before selecting an option.
Also, remember that Bermuda grass has the fastest growth rate, and they grow below as well as above ground level. So, in some cases, if not properly maintained it may take an invasive form- a much undesirable trait for lawns that have other ornamental plants. Here, one thing to note is that solarization is the best way to kill invading Bermuda grass. However, the focus should always be on maintaining a lawn to stop it from growing in uncontrolled ways. Also, it is advisable not to grow Bermuda grass if your lawn has other plants and vegetation.
Summary
The best thing you can do is study the different types of Bermuda grass or seek expert help in selecting the ideal variety for your yard. So, here we are with our top-12 Bermuda grass varieties. Each variety has its own set of desirable characteristics. However, regardless of its variety or characteristics, Bermuda grass is simple to cultivate and requires little to no upkeep. However, it is always good to get the sort that best suits your local climate, lawn type, and needs. Also, you must check from time to time to eliminate any scope for Bermuda grass invasion on your lawn.