PLANTING:

Rate: 15 lbs./acre

Date: Late spring trhough early summer when soil temperatures are 65 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Plow and cultipack to develop a firm seedbed. Proper firmness is indicated by a heel print no more than 1/8” deep in the soil.

Depth: 1/8” depth maximum

Fertilizer: Apply lime, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer according to soil test recommendations. Apply 20-30 lbs./A of nitrogen at planting time. When the new plants begin to develop runners, apply an additional 50-60 lbs./A of nitrogen.

Competition from other grasses and weeds is the number one reason for bermudagrass stand failure. Taking steps to reduce this competition will increase your chances of success.

Don't get in a hurry to plant. If soil temperature is not 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher at a depth of 4", bermudagrass will not germinate. When the seed does germinate it will be weaker and more subject to disease.

For No-Till

• Be sure seed is not dropping too deep; 1/8"or less is ideal. One method to prevent deep planting is to pull the drill’s drop tubes out of the openers and let the seed fall behind the opener to be pressed into the loosened soil by the press wheel.
• Be sure that existing residue is not too thick for seedlings to emerge and that the seed is making soil contact beneath the residue.

For Clean-tilled Ground

• Prepare the ground well in advance. This allows the first flush of crabgrass and other competition to germinate that can be killed with a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate before planting Mohawk.
• Prepare a firm seedbed. Plow, disk and cultipack before and after planting.
• Several passes may be necessary to achieve proper firmness. Bermudagrass seed will not germinate in a fluffy, loose seedbed. Take care to place the seed at the proper depth of 1/8” or less.

MANAGEMENT:

Delay grazing newly established bermuda until forage is 8-10” tall. On established bermuda stands, apply 50-75 lbs/A of nitrogen for each cutting of hay. If grazed, apply up to 150 lbs. of nitrogen per year in split applications throughout the summer. The last nitrogen application each year should be made a minimum of 6-8 weeks prior to the expected date of a killing frost to help prevent cold injury. Do not graze or clip for hay shorter than 2”. Rotate animals more often during periods of drought stress.