[FBALL]

"Bermudagrass sprigs or stolons for planting should be freshly harvested and protected from desiccation by wind and sun. Also, they should not be subject to excessive heating which occurs when moist planting material is tightly packed or covered for several days. Sprigs are usually distinguished from stolons in that sprigs consist of stolons with roots and rhizomes; whereas stolons consist of above ground parts only. Sprigs are produced by shredding harvested sod or by sprig harvesters. Stolons are generally harvested with a vertical mower or a flail mower set close to the ground. Sprigs will tolerate slightly more environmental stress during planting and establishment because of the energy reserves in the roots and rhizomes.

Sprigs or stolons should be planted at 5 to 15 bushels per 1,000 sq. ft. depending on the rate of cover required. Higher planting rates up to 25 or more bushels per 1,000 sq. ft. will provide a faster grass cover. A minimum planting rate should be 5 bushels per 1,000 sq. ft. or 200 bushels per acre. Sprigs or stolons should be broadcast on a clean seedbed and pressed into moist soil with a roller or covered lightly with soil or mulch. Moist conditions must be maintained for 2 to 3 weeks after planting to obtain a good cover.

Seed or sprigs should not be planted before soil temperature is above 65°F. Planting too early may retard development of a turf and extend the critical establishment period several weeks. Soil temperatures of 68°F to 75°F are ideal for germination and rapid development of bermudagrass."


from
Bermudagrass

"The Sports Turf of the South"


Richard L. Duble, Turfgrass Specialist