pennington sahara II bermudagrass

Sahara II Bermudagrass

Sahara II multi-purpose seeded bermudagrass was developed for quick establishment and coverage along with good heat and drought tolerance and consistent high forage yield. It develops into a thick sod with excellent durability and wear characteristics making it well suited for multiple use including for pastures, hayfields, landscape, recreational areas and vegetative erosion control.

Sahara II Forage Tech Sheet
Product Info

Sizes:

RATE: FOR FORAGE PRODUCTION: 15 lbs/A drilled or broadcast for new stands or 8-12 lbs/A to thicken existing stands.

FOR MAINTAINED AREAS: 40-80 lbs/A (1-2 lbs/1000 sq. ft.)

DEPTH: 1/8 inch

DATE: Late spring when soil temperatures reach 65° F or above at a 4” depth thru early summer. Fall plantings may be successful in certain regions of the U.S. (Consult with the local University Extension Office for recommended planting dates for the specific area.)

FERTILIZATION: Apply 25-35 lbs/acre nitrogen as a starter fertilizer at planting. Lime soil to a pH of 6.0 – 6.5 and follow soil test recommendations for P & K.

METHOD: Plant when soil moisture is adequate. For summer plantings, do not plant when ambient temperatures are expected to be above the middle 90’s. If weeds become problematic, periodically mow to reduce competition with the seedling bermuda. To further reduce weed competition, delay the application of fertilizers containing nitrogen until the bermuda seedlings have fully emerged.

BROADCAST: CLEAN-TILLED GROUND

• Prepare the ground well in advance. This allows the first flush of crabgrass and other weed competition to germinate and be killed by an application of a non-residual and non-selective herbicide like glyphosate before planting Sahara II. • Clean-till the area with a disk, then level and smooth the area. Use a culti-packer to prepare a firm seedbed before planting. Several passes may be necessary to achieve proper firmness. • Broadcast the seed and cultipack once more to get good seed to soil contact. Bermudagrass seed will not germinate in a fluffy, loose seedbed.

FOR NO-TILL DRILL

• Take added precaution to ensure seed are 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. • Ensure that existing residue is not too thick for seedlings to emerge and that the seed is making good soil contact beneath the residue.

TO THICKEN EXISTING STANDS

If seed are to be broadcast, loosen the soil surface in the bare areas prior to seeding by scratching with a finger drag or by light disking. After seed are broadcasted, use a culti-packer or similar roller device to press the seed into the soil and to firm the ground. If using a no-till drill, see instructions for No-Till Drill.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Sahara II Bermudagrass a good choice for my lawn?
    Yes, Sahara II Bermudagrass is a strong-performing variety known for its drought tolerance and adaptability to hot, sunny climates. It is a seeded bermudagrass developed for homeowners and turf professionals who need a resilient, heat-tolerant lawn in warm-season regions. Its ability to establish from seed makes it a practical and cost-effective option compared to sod.
  • How much area does the Pennington Sahara II Bermudagrass seed cover?
    The 25 lb. bag of Pennington Sahara II Bermudagrass covers up to 25,000 square feet and the 50 lb. bag covers up to 50,000 square feet. This makes it well suited for residential properties, commercial landscapes, athletic fields, or acreage applications of many sizes. It is one of the most efficient large-coverage grass seed options available for warm-season turf establishment.
  • When is the best time to plant Sahara II Bermudagrass seed?
    The best time to plant Sahara II Bermudagrass seed is in spring or early summer. Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass that germinates best when soil temperatures are consistently warm, typically above 65°F. Planting during this window gives the seed the heat and sunlight it needs to establish quickly and develop a strong root system before cooler fall temperatures arrive.
  • Is Sahara II Bermudagrass drought tolerant?
    Yes, Sahara II Bermudagrass is specifically bred to be drought tolerant, making it an excellent choice for lawns in hot, dry climates. Once established, it can withstand periods of reduced rainfall better than many cool-season grasses. This drought resistance makes it a popular choice in states like Texas, Florida, and across the broader Sun Belt region.
  • Does Sahara II Bermudagrass grow in the shade?
    No, Sahara II Bermudagrass is a full-sun grass variety and is not suited for shaded areas. Bermudagrass in general requires direct sunlight for the majority of the day to thrive and maintain density. Areas with heavy tree canopy or building shade are better served by a shade-tolerant grass species.
  • Can I just throw Sahara II Bermuda grass seed on the ground without preparing the soil?
    Throwing bermudagrass seed directly on unprepared ground is not recommended, as germination will be slower and results are likely to be patchy and uneven. For best results, loosen the topsoil, remove existing weeds or debris, and rake the area smooth before seeding. Good seed-to-soil contact is critical for reliable germination and a uniform stand of Sahara II Bermudagrass.
  • What kind of sunlight does Sahara II Bermudagrass need?
    Sahara II Bermudagrass requires full sun and performs best in areas that receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is specifically classified as a full-sun grass, meaning it is not appropriate for lawns with significant shade from trees, structures, or fencing. Maximum sun exposure supports dense turf growth and strong drought resistance.
  • Is Sahara II Bermudagrass good for Texas or Florida lawns?
    Yes, Sahara II Bermudagrass is well suited for warm, sunny states like Texas and Florida, where heat and drought are common lawn challenges. As a warm-season bermudagrass, it thrives in the long, hot summers characteristic of the South and Southeast United States. Its drought tolerance and full-sun preference align closely with the growing conditions found across both states.
  • How often should I water Sahara II Bermudagrass?
    Established bermudagrass generally needs about 1 inch of water per week, including any rainfall. During the hotter months, consistent watering helps maintain color and density, but overwatering should be avoided as it can promote disease. In the fall, as temperatures drop, reduce watering frequency to lower the risk of fungal problems.
  • Should I water Sahara II Bermudagrass in October or the fall?
    In October and throughout fall, you should reduce watering as temperatures drop to help prevent disease on your Sahara II Bermudagrass lawn. Bermudagrass still needs approximately 1 inch of water per week including rainfall, but fall is prime time for fungal issues, particularly with overwatering. Shaded areas from fallen leaves can also trap moisture, so keeping the lawn clear of debris helps reduce disease pressure.
  • What are the benefits of adding Epsom salt to Bermudagrass like Sahara II?
    Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate, which some lawn enthusiasts apply to bermudagrass to help support chlorophyll production and improve the uptake of key nutrients. While Epsom salt is not a substitute for a complete fertilization program, it may be used as a supplemental treatment if magnesium deficiency is suspected. Always conduct a soil test before adding supplements to ensure your Sahara II Bermudagrass lawn receives the nutrients it actually needs.
  • Who makes Sahara II Bermudagrass seed?
    Sahara II Bermudagrass seed is made by Pennington, a leading manufacturer of grass seed and lawn care products. Pennington's Sahara II is sold in a 50 lb. bag through major retailers including The Home Depot. Pennington is widely recognized in the turf industry for developing grass seed varieties suited to specific regional climates and performance needs.
  • Is Pennington Sahara II Bermudagrass good for large lawns or commercial use?
    Yes, the 25 lb. bag of Pennington Sahara II Bermudagrass covers up to 25,000 square feet and the 50 lb. bag covers up to 50,000 square feet, making it practical for residential lawns, commercial properties, and acreage applications of many sizes. Its bulk sizing offers efficiency for large-scale seeding projects where consistent warm-season turf establishment is the goal. The drought tolerance and heat resistance of Sahara II also make it a durable long-term choice for high-demand turf areas.
  • What type of grass is Sahara II, and is it a warm-season or cool-season variety?
    Sahara II is a warm-season bermudagrass, meaning it grows actively during spring and summer and goes dormant in cooler winter temperatures. Warm-season grasses like Sahara II Bermudagrass are best adapted to the southern United States, thriving in heat and full sun. It is not suitable for regions with cold winters where warm-season grasses cannot reliably survive or re-green each spring.
  • How do I get the best germination results when planting Sahara II Bermudagrass seed?
    For the best germination results, plant Sahara II Bermudagrass in spring or early summer when soil temperatures are consistently warm. Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil, removing weeds, and raking smooth to ensure firm seed-to-soil contact. Water lightly and consistently after seeding to keep the soil surface moist until seedlings are well established.
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