Pennington Seed
Sahara II Bermuda Grass Seed Unhulled - 50 Lbs.
Sahara II Bermuda Grass Seed Unhulled - 50 Lbs.
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Sahara II Bermuda Grass Seed | Drought Tolerant
Sahara II Bermuda Grass Seed produces dense, durable warm-season turf with medium-fine texture, quick establishment, early green-up, and strong traffic tolerance.
Sahara II Bermuda Grass Seed is an improved, seeded warm-season bermudagrass developed for fast establishment, dependable coverage, and durable performance in hot, sunny environments. It produces an attractive, rich-green turf with a medium-fine leaf texture, good uniformity, strong seedling vigor, and comparatively early spring green-up when temperatures become favorable.
Sahara II develops a dense, spreading sod capable of handling regular foot traffic and recreational use. Its reduced vertical growth habit, resistance to scalping, and low thatch production can help reduce excessive clippings while maintaining a clean, professionally managed appearance. Once established, Sahara II provides good heat and drought tolerance, making it a practical option for warm-season lawns and large-scale turf projects.
This versatile bermudagrass is recommended for home lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds, cemeteries, recreational areas, pasture lanes, landscaped properties, and vegetative erosion control. It can also be managed for pasture and hay production where local growing conditions are appropriate. Sahara II performs best in full sun and is not recommended for heavily shaded locations.
Key Features and Benefits
| Product Feature | Practical Benefit |
|---|---|
| Medium-fine leaf texture | Produces a more refined and attractive appearance than common, coarser bermudagrass |
| Dense, spreading growth | Forms durable sod that helps cover bare soil and resist wear |
| Early spring green-up | Begins returning to active color as favorable spring temperatures arrive |
| Strong seedling vigor | Supports quicker establishment when soil temperature and moisture are suitable |
| Traffic and wear tolerance | Appropriate for lawns, recreational areas, sports fields, parks, and other frequently used sites |
| Reduced plant height | Helps limit excessive vertical growth and clipping production |
| Low thatch production | Supports easier long-term turf maintenance |
| Heat and drought tolerance | Performs well in hot, sunny warm-season climates once established |
| Erosion-control capability | Dense, spreading growth helps stabilize exposed or highly erodible soil |
| Multiple-use variety | Suitable for maintained turf, landscapes, recreational sites, pasture, and hay applications |
These characteristics are documented in Sahara II turf and forage technical materials, although actual performance will vary with climate, soil preparation, fertility, irrigation, and maintenance.
Recommended Uses
| Application | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Residential lawns | Excellent for sunny, warm-season properties |
| Athletic and sports fields | Dense growth and good wear tolerance |
| Parks and playgrounds | Durable turf for frequently used public areas |
| Golf courses | Suitable for fairways, roughs, and other maintained areas under proper management |
| Cemeteries and commercial landscapes | Provides uniform, attractive ground coverage |
| Recreational areas | Handles regular traffic after establishment |
| Erosion-control projects | Spreading sod helps stabilize bare soil |
| Pastures and hayfields | Can be managed as a productive, fine-leaved forage bermudagrass |
| Thinning bermudagrass stands | May be used to improve coverage in existing stands |
Planting and Establishment Guide
| Establishment Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Growth type | Warm-season perennial grass |
| Sunlight | Full sun; approximately 6–8 or more hours of direct sunlight is preferred |
| Best planting period | Late spring through early summer, after frost danger has passed |
| Minimum soil temperature | Approximately 65°F or warmer at a 4-inch depth |
| Turf seeding rate | 0.75–2 pounds per 1,000 square feet |
| Approximate acre equivalent | 33–87 pounds per acre |
| Planting depth | Very shallow; approximately 1/16 inch and no deeper than 1/8 inch |
| Germination | May begin in approximately 10–14 days under favorable conditions |
| Expected initial coverage | Approximately 45–60 days under good growing conditions |
| Water during establishment | Keep the seedbed consistently moist until the grass reaches approximately 3 inches |
| First mowing | Mow when seedlings reach approximately 3 inches tall |
| Established mowing height | Generally maintain at 1.5–3 inches |
| Preferred soil | Well-drained soil; sandy loam is particularly suitable |
| Soil pH | Broadly adaptable; a soil-test target near 6.0–6.5 is generally preferred |
Pennington’s Sahara II turf sheet lists 0.75–2 pounds per 1,000 square feet at approximately 1/16 inch deep. Its maintained-area and forage guidance lists 1–2 pounds per 1,000 square feet at 1/8 inch deep. Seed coating, intended use, and package formulation can affect the correct bulk rate, so the directions printed on the seed tag should take priority.
How to Plant Sahara II Bermuda Grass Seed
- Prepare the planting area. Remove weeds, debris, rocks, and excessive plant residue. Loosen and level the upper soil surface.
- Create a firm seedbed. Bermuda seed performs poorly in loose, fluffy soil. Firm the soil before planting so footprints leave only a shallow impression.
- Spread the seed evenly. Divide the seed into two portions and apply half in one direction and the remaining half at a right angle for more uniform coverage.
- Do not bury the seed deeply. Lightly rake or press the seed into the soil. Keep placement extremely shallow and do not exceed approximately 1/8 inch.
- Maintain consistent moisture. Water lightly and frequently enough to prevent the seedbed from drying out. Avoid heavy irrigation that moves seed or causes runoff.
- Begin mowing at 3 inches. Once the new turf reaches approximately 3 inches, complete the first mowing with a sharp blade. After establishment, maintain a height of approximately 1.5–3 inches and remove no more than one-third of the leaf blade in a single mowing.
Forage and Pasture Seeding Rates
Sahara II may also be established for grazing, hay production, or improvement of existing bermudagrass stands.
| Forage Application | Recommended Rate |
|---|---|
| New pasture or hay stand | 15 pounds per acre |
| Thickening an existing bermudagrass stand | 8–12 pounds per acre |
| Planting depth | 1/8 inch or less |
Delay grazing or hay cutting until the forage reaches approximately 6–8 inches. Avoid grazing or cutting established forage shorter than 2 inches. Fertility requirements should be based on soil-test results and the intended level of forage production.
Maintenance Tips
For maintained turf, allow the grass to establish fully before subjecting it to heavy use. Mow regularly during active summer growth and follow the one-third mowing rule to reduce stress. Fertilizer should be applied in split applications during active growth, preferably according to a soil test and local recommendations.
Although Sahara II is drought tolerant after establishment, newly planted seed requires consistent surface moisture. Established turf may temporarily lose color or enter dormancy during cold weather or extended drought and resume active growth when warm temperatures and adequate moisture return.
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