What is Bermuda grass?
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season perennial forage grass prized for rugged resilience and summer grazing value. It thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal water and regrows quickly after heavy grazing. Ideal for cattle, sheep and goat pasture, it delivers lush summer forage, superior erosion control, and adapts well across warm U.S. regions (Southeast, Plains, Southwest).
Specifications
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Soil Preference
Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils
Soil pH
~5.5–7.5
Time to Maturity
~8–12 weeks
Height when mature
up to 12–18 inches
Seeding Rate
20 lbs/acre
Planting Depth
1/4 inches
Bermudagrass
Cynodon dactylon | SKU: PG-CYDA
- Cattle
- Poultry
- Sheep
- Horse
- Bison
- Alpaca/Llama
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Description
Drought Tolerance
Bermuda grass has exceptional drought resistance. Its deep rhizomes allow it to survive extended dry periods (even 6–7 months of little moisture). Once established, it stays green and grows with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for low-water pastures.
Low Maintenance
As a perennial sod-former, Bermuda requires little care after establishment. It self-spreads via stolons/rhizomes to fill bare spots. It remains weed-free and traffic-resistant in lawns or pastures, and tolerates low soil fertility (though it responds positively to nitrogen).
Erosion Control
The vigorous root and rhizome system of Bermuda grass binds soil strongly. This makes it effective on riverbanks, slopes and disturbed areas: its dense cover and deep roots protect against runoff and hold soil in place.
Grazing Resilience
Bermudagrass is among the most grazing-tolerant forage grasses. It withstands close, frequent defoliation and trampling. Proper grazing (or mowing) down to about 4–6 inches promotes new tillers; it regrows quickly under rotational grazing, allowing multiple summer grazing cycles.
Wildlife Habitat
Bermuda fields provide browse and cover for wildlife. Deer and gamebirds feed on the tender shoots and seeds of Bermuda in open pastures. Its dense growth also shelters ground-nesting birds and beneficial insects.
Description
Detail Product
Sun/Shade
Prefers Sun
Height
12–18 inches
Seeding Rate
20 lbs/acre
Uses
Permanent pasture forage, hay, erosion control, turf/lawn, wildlife habitat
Color
Tan to brown grass seeds.
Water
Tan to brown grass seeds.
Native
introduced
Life Form
Perennial stoloniferous grass
Product Uses
Versatile usage
Ideal for grazing, hay, erosion control, wildlife habitat, silvopasture, and sod-based crop rotations
Low disease & pest susceptibility
Generally free from serious insects and diseases—fewer pest-related management headaches
Extended grazing season
Diploid cultivars (like Pensacola) regrow early and sustain forage production longer
Acceptable forage quality
Rotational grazing strategies significantly improve yields and maintain nutritional value
Questions & Answers
What is Bermuda grass and why do farmers plant it?
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season perennial grass originally from Africa/Asiaplants.usda.gov. Farmers plant it for summer forage because it grows vigorously in hot weather when cool-season grasses slow downextension.missouri.edu. It spreads via stolons and rhizomes to form a dense sod. Key benefits are its drought resistance and ability to recover quickly from heavy grazing, making it reliable pasture in warm, dry U.S. regionsfeedipedia.orgextension.missouri.edu.
How good is Bermuda grass as forage?
Bermuda grass provides fair to good forage with proper managementplants.usda.gov. Young, fertilized stands can reach ~8–12% crude protein, though older mature stands are lower (~6–8%). Digestibility is moderate. It is best for beef cattle, sheep, goats and other grazing livestock. High-producing dairy cows often need supplemental protein when on Bermuda. Overall, it yields large volumes of summer forage, and quality improves with nitrogen fertilization and frequent cutting or grazingplants.usda.govfeedipedia.org.
When and how should I plant Bermuda grass seed?
Prepare a firm, weed-free seedbed. Plant in late spring or early summer after all danger of frost, when soil temperatures are consistently above ~68–70°Fscotts.commuralmap.aws-dev.swarthmore.edu. Broadcast or drill seed at about 3–5 lbs per acre (more if broadcasting)plants.usda.gov. Cover seed lightly (¼–½ in deep) and keep it moist until germination. Under ideal warm conditions, seedlings appear in about 7–14 daysmuralmap.aws-dev.swarthmore.edu. Avoid planting in cooler weather, as Bermuda requires warm soil to sprout.
How much water does Bermuda grass need?
Bermuda grass is very drought-tolerant once establishedfeedipedia.org. It can survive on as little as ~20–25 inches of rainfall per year by going semi-dormant. In contrast, it can thrive with irrigation or higher rainfall (up to 68 inches). In practice, about 1 inch of water per week during summer will support active growth; beyond that, extra water yields diminishing returns. Its deep root system and native adaptation allow it to maintain growth under dry conditions that would stress cool-season grassesscotts.comfeedipedia.org.
How should I manage grazing on Bermuda grass?
Use rotational or controlled grazing and avoid overgrazing. Grazing (or mowing) should start when plants reach ~8–12 inches tall and leave at least 4–6 inches of stubblefeedipedia.org. This height helps maintain tillering and stand vigor. Intensive rotational grazing (frequent moves) or cutting every 4–6 weeks keeps the grass in a leafy stage and prevents quality loss. Bermuda tolerates close grazing wellfeedipedia.orgpolk.ces.ncsu.edu, but letting it get too tall before grazing can reduce nutritive value. After grazing, allow rest for regrowth before returning livestock.
Can Bermuda grass be used for lawns or landscaping?
Yes – many turf-type Bermuda cultivars are used for lawns, sports fields and other landscapes in warm regionsplants.usda.gov. It creates a lush green lawn in summer, tolerating heavy foot traffic and drought. It’s often chosen for its low maintenance and hardiness. However, common (non-turf) Bermuda has a coarser texture. Crucially, Bermuda requires full sun (it will die in shadefeedipedia.org) and will go dormant (brown) in cool weather. It is best in southern climates where winter browning is acceptable.
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Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season perennial forage grass prized for rugged resilience and summer grazing value. It thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal water and regrows quickly after heavy grazing. Ideal for cattle, sheep and goat pasture, it delivers lush summer forage, superior erosion control, and adapts well across warm U.S. regions (Southeast, Plains, Southwest).
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