Giant Bermuda Grass Seed | Hulled & Raw
Frequently reaches heights near 30 inches!
Seed Ranch Giant Bermuda Grass is a high-yielding warm-season perennial forage grass developed for producers seeking exceptional pasture performance, hay production, and long-term stand persistence. Often marketed as NK-37 Giant Bermuda, this variety closely resembles Coastal Bermuda in appearance, forage quality, and growth habit. Both produce tall, upright growth and spread aggressively through stolons and rhizomes; however, Giant Bermuda offers a distinct advantage by producing seed, allowing for economical establishment without the need for sprigging.
Known for its vigorous growth and excellent forage production, Giant Bermuda thrives in hot climates and performs well on a wide range of soil types, including moderately alkaline soils. It is particularly valued by cattle producers and hay growers for its ability to generate substantial seasonal forage yields.
Key Benefits
| Feature |
Benefit |
| Seed-Producing Bermuda |
Easier and more affordable establishment compared to vegetative hybrid varieties. |
| Tall Growth Potential |
Frequently reaches heights near 30 inches under favorable growing conditions. |
| Excellent Hay Producer |
Capable of producing multiple harvests throughout the growing season. |
| Aggressive Spread |
Forms dense stands through runners and underground rhizomes. |
| Heat & Drought Tolerant |
Maintains productivity during hot summer conditions. |
| Heavy Grazing Tolerance |
Recovers quickly following grazing or harvest. |
| High Forage Quality |
Provides nutritious forage with strong digestibility characteristics. |
| Long-Lived Perennial |
Returns annually in suitable growing regions. |
Performance Characteristics
Field trials have demonstrated Giant Bermuda's superior growth potential compared to standard common Bermuda grass. In research evaluations, Giant Bermuda averaged approximately 30 inches in height, while common Bermuda varieties reached only 14–16 inches under similar growing conditions.
With proper fertility and moisture management, producers can expect excellent forage production from spring through early fall.
| Characteristic |
Performance |
| Growth Habit |
Upright, spreading perennial |
| Average Height |
Up to 30 inches |
| Germination |
5–12 days under ideal conditions |
| Hay Harvests |
4–5 cuttings annually |
| First Grazing or Cutting |
Approximately 50–90 days after planting |
| Stand Longevity |
Multi-year perennial |
| Grazing Height |
Maintain 8–10 inches for optimum regrowth |
Nitrogen fertility plays a major role in overall forage yield and seasonal tonnage production. Well-managed stands can provide exceptional growth throughout the warm-season months.
Adaptation
Giant Bermuda performs best throughout the southern United States and other regions with long, warm growing seasons. It is adapted to both the Warm-Season and Transition Zones and thrives under full sunlight.
Recommended Growing Conditions
| Requirement |
Recommendation |
| Climate Zones |
Warm-Season & Transition Zone |
| USDA Zones |
7–11 |
| Sunlight |
Full Sun (8+ hours daily) |
| Soil pH |
5.5–6.8 preferred |
| Soil Type |
Well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soils |
| Heat Tolerance |
Excellent |
| Alkali Tolerance |
Good |
| Drought Tolerance |
High |
Common Uses
Giant Bermuda is widely utilized for:
-
Cattle grazing
-
Horse pastures
-
Livestock forage systems
-
Commercial hay production
-
Rotational grazing programs
-
Small acreage farms
-
Cover crop applications
-
Soil stabilization projects
Its ability to withstand grazing pressure and recover quickly after harvest makes it a dependable forage option for both commercial and hobby farming operations.
Planting Information
For best establishment, plant when nighttime temperatures consistently remain above 65°F and allow sufficient growing time before the first expected frost.
| Planting Factor |
Recommendation |
| Seed Type |
Hulled & Raw |
| Seeding Rate |
5–10 lbs. per acre |
| Overseeding Rate |
5 lbs. per acre |
| Planting Depth |
1/8–1/4 inch |
| Planting Season |
Spring and Summer |
| Inoculant Required |
No |
| GMO |
No |
Establishment Tips
-
Prepare a clean, firm seedbed before planting.
-
Avoid planting deeper than 1/4 inch.
-
Maintain consistent soil moisture during germination.
-
Light irrigation after planting helps prevent soil crusting and improves emergence.
-
Avoid grazing or mowing below 1½ inches during the first several harvest cycles.
Fertility and Water Requirements
Giant Bermuda responds exceptionally well to fertility programs, particularly nitrogen applications. Regular fertilization promotes increased forage production, denser stands, and faster recovery following harvest.
| Management Factor |
Recommendation |
| Fertilizer Type |
Balanced pasture fertilizer such as 16-04-08 |
| Nitrogen Requirement |
High |
| Irrigation Requirement |
Moderate to High during peak growth |
| Growth Response |
Excellent under fertility and moisture management |
Forage Quality
Giant Bermuda produces highly palatable forage suitable for grazing livestock and harvested hay. When properly managed, its total digestible nutrient (TDN) value can approach that of premium forage crops, making it an excellent feed source throughout the growing season.
Benefits include:
-
High seasonal forage production
-
Excellent livestock acceptance
-
Strong regrowth after cutting
-
Nutritious hay and pasture forage
-
Productive spring, summer, and early fall growth
Why Choose Giant Bermuda Grass?
Giant Bermuda combines the appearance and forage quality of Coastal-type bermudagrass with the convenience of seed establishment. Its tall growth, aggressive spread, heat tolerance, and exceptional hay-producing ability make it an outstanding choice for producers looking to maximize pasture productivity and forage yields throughout the southern United States.
