Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon
A warm-season perennial grass prized for its exceptional drought tolerance and ability to create a dense, durable lawn that withstands heavy foot traffic. This aggressive spreader quickly fills in bare spots and recovers rapidly from damage, making it ideal for active families and sunny locations. Its fine texture and vibrant green color create an attractive carpet-like appearance when properly maintained.
Sun
Full sun
Zones
6–10
USDA hardiness
Height
3-6 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Bermuda Grass in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 grass →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Bermuda Grass · Zones 6–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Celebration'propagated vegetatively 'GN-1'propagated vegetatively 'Latitude 36'propagated vegetatively 'Northbridge'propagated vegetatively 'Sundevil'Coarse, seeded turfgrass with light green blades; less winter hardy than the species. 'T-10'propagated vegetatively 'Tahoma 31'propagated vegetatively 'TifTuf'propagated vegetatively 'Tifway 419'propagated vegetatively 'Yukon'Fine-textured, seeded variety noted for winter hardiness, remains greener longer in fall before entering dormancy., 'Celebration', 'GN-1', 'Latitude 36', 'Northbridge', 'Sundevil', 'T-10', 'Tahoma 31', 'TifTuf', 'Tifway 419', 'Yukon'. Propagation: Division, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Piedmont.
History & Origin
Origin: Temperate and Subtropical Old World to Australia
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought, Foot Traffic
- +Wildlife value: Host plant for Southern Skipperling, but the caterpillars rarely causes noticeable damage to lawns.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Clover
Fixes nitrogen in soil, improving grass health and reducing fertilizer needs
Dandelion
Deep taproot brings nutrients to surface, aerates compacted soil for grass roots
Plantain
Tolerates foot traffic well, reduces soil compaction in high-use areas
Chicory
Deep roots break up hardpan soil and bring minerals to grass root zone
Yarrow
Improves soil structure and helps grass withstand drought stress
Ryegrass
Provides cool-season coverage when Bermuda goes dormant in winter
Fescue
Complements Bermuda in transitional zones, thrives in shade where Bermuda struggles
Chamomile
Accumulates nutrients and releases them slowly, benefits surrounding grass
Keep Apart
St. Augustine Grass
Competes aggressively for space and nutrients, can overtake Bermuda in favorable conditions
Tall Fescue
Dense growth habit and allelopathic properties can suppress Bermuda grass establishment
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that inhibits Bermuda grass growth and causes yellowing
Zoysia Grass
Creates patchy lawn appearance due to different growth rates and seasonal color changes
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most diseases, susceptible to spring dead spot in transition zones
Common Pests
Armyworms, grubs, chinch bugs, mole crickets
Diseases
Spring dead spot, dollar spot, brown patch in high humidity