9 Best Fertilizers for Bermuda Grass – Liquid & Granular

Bermuda grass can produce a thick, full, and deep green lawn if you maintain the grass properly. For the best results, its care calendar must follow a great fertilizer schedule. But not any fertilizer is the best for this grass. This page is a deep analysis and reviews of the best fertilizers for Bermuda grass to help you choose the right one.

In my review criteria, nitrogen is a very important element in choosing a top-quality fertilizer for Bermuda grass.

In a rush? These are the fertilizers I recommend for Bermuda Grass. But keep reading if you want more info on how to use and combine each of them with other products for the best results.

CLICK on any option below to see Ratings and Reviews on Amazon

Best Overall
The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer with...
Best Nitrogen Fertilizer
Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Lawn Food, 5 lb.
Best Organic
Safer Brand 9335SR Lawn Restore Natural Lawn Fertilizer -...
The Andersons 10-10-10 Fertilizer
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food
Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore Fertilizer
Best Overall
The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer with...
The Andersons 10-10-10 Fertilizer
Best Nitrogen Fertilizer
Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Lawn Food, 5 lb.
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food
Best Organic
Safer Brand 9335SR Lawn Restore Natural Lawn Fertilizer -...
Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore Fertilizer

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Pro Tip: Regardless of the type of lawn you have or the time of the year it is, you can always apply Humichar which will make your soil richer and make your fertilizer work better. Be sure to get a bag of Humichar whenever you fertilize or treat your lawn with anything. Read more about Humichar to see if it’s right for your lawn.

The Andersons HumiChar Organic Soil Amendment with Humic Acid and...
3,588 Reviews
The Andersons HumiChar Organic Soil Amendment with Humic Acid and...
  • HumiChar is an organic, carbon-based soil amendment containing 50% high-quality humic acid and 50% granulated biochar -- Provides the benefit of quickly-available humic acid and the long-term soil building qualities of the biochar that lasts for decades
  • Improve your soil health, lawn health, plant health, and reduce the use of fertilizers
  • Easy to apply spherical, uniform, low dust formulation --Dispersible Granule, or "DG" Technology is The Andersons' patented nutrient delivery system. With DG Technology, particles are more rapidly and efficiently broken down

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Top 8 Fertilizers for Bermuda Grass

You can start applying fertilizer on Bermuda grass lawns in early spring and go all the way through the summer. You can choose to use a liquid fertilizer or a granular product. You will get a thick, lush, green lawn as long as you water your lawn adequately. Here are the pros and cons of liquid and granular fertilizers.

Here are the best fertilizers for Bermuda grass lawns:


1) The Andersons 10-10-10 Fertilizer + Docs Super Juice 14-2-4 + HumiChar Combo

The Andersons 10-10-10 fertilizer for bermuda grass

This combo is my new go-to formula for Bermuda lawns. I’ve had the best results with it in the last year and plan on using it again this year.

First, apply HumiChar which is a carbon-based soil amendment that will improve any soil condition. Next, apply The Andersons 10-10-10 and then top it off with Doc’s Super Juice. The ultimate triple play that will get your Bermuda lawns thick and green all season. You can get them all at The Andersons store here.

Doc’s Super Juice

  • Great all-in-one fertilizer, well balanced for healthy lawns.
  • Boosts quick growth and lush, dark green lawn within 12 days.
  • Contains humic and fulvic acids that are great for enriching your lawn.
  • 70% humic acid for better soil microbes.
  • 14-2-4 NPK ratio is balanced to feed your lawn adequately.
  • Sea kelp in this supplement is great for stimulating growth and assists the lawn in recovering from heat and drought stress.

If you look at the composition of this lawn fertilizer, you’ll automatically know it is great for your Bermuda grass.

What’s amazing is that a very small amount of fertilizer covers a huge area in your lawn, making it one of the best fertilizers for Bermuda grass that will give you a bang for your buck (if you frequently care for your lawn the right way).

While most people think it doesn’t work, my tests and review show that it worked great for making a Bermuda grass lawn grow thicker and fuller. The only catch is you need to put down quite a lot of it every two weeks to start greening and growing your Bermuda grass lawn fast.

Super Juice Fertilizer - How to Use and FAQ

Yes, it is a great supplement for your Bermuda grass lawn. However, there are a few things I did not like – just a few things that I would like to bring to your attention:

This fertilizer needs to be used as a supplement and not as the main fertilizer. The reason why most people get easily disappointed with this fertilizer is the expectation for it to work on its own.

Doc’s Super Juice, as the manufacturer recommends, should be used in the following ways:

  • Apply your normal fertilizer at half strength first.
  • Follow this feeding program with Doc’s Super Juice supplement.

If you follow this routine, you’ll have found the best liquid Bermuda grass fertilizer supplement.


2) Lawnify Foundation 29-0-5 Fertilizer

lawnify foundation fertilizer review

Lawnifi has come up with a powerful fertilizer for both lawns and gardens with an NPK of 29-0-5. They have a new technology called Catalyst Technology which is a liquid fertilizer that contains nano-sized nutrients that are sprayed onto the granules of this fertilizer. Learn more about NPK fertilizers.

This technology allows for nutrients to be applied and absorbed into the plant at the time of application. The slow release of the granule will provide nutrients to the plant for up to 3 months. Great for Bermuda Lawns.

Lawnifi Foundation Granular Fertilizer for Lawns 29-0-5
  • 25 lb. bag covers 5,000 sq ft
  • Makes grass green: enhances the green color of your lawn
  • Slow-release fertilizer: nitrogen feeds plants for 3 months plus 2 percent iron for color.

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3) Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 Natural Liquid Fertilizer – Spring & Summer

Best Liquid Fertilizer for Bermuda grass - Simple Lawn Solutions 16-4-8 NPK

One of the best liquid fertilizers for lawns. The concentrate has plenty of Nitrogen to help Bermuda grass grow thicker and faster.

  • Highly rated performance liquid lawn fertilizer.
  • 16-4-8 NPK (high nitrogen) is great for Bermuda grass growth.
  • Best for both spring and summer seasons.
  • Will help your lawn green up fast.
  • Perfect for filling up bare spots in the yard.
  • Great for the rapid growth of Bermuda grass.
  • 32-ounce size can feed up to 3200 square feet

A 16-4-8 composition is key with important macronutrients that will help your lawn grow fast, healthier, and develop resistance to drought and diseases.

You’ll notice this liquid fertilizer also contains fish and seaweed ingredients that are great for helping your lawn stand out from the others in the neighborhood.

What I like most about this liquid fertilizer is that it does not contain any chemicals that, as you know, easily cause burns to the lawn as well as environmental damage.

Apart from being good liquid fertilizer for Bermuda grass, you can the Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK – Lawn Food for various turfgrasses including the following: Zoysia, Centipede, Buffalo, Fescue, Bahia, Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Florida Palmetto.

The ingredients of this liquid fertilizer are organic, making it safe for use on lawns on which children and pets play.

You’ll also see fast results after feeding your Bermuda grass lawn with this fertilizer because it is a quick-release nitrogen fertilizer. As such, you’ll see fast results in terms of spreading and greening.

What about the application? The liquid lawn feed comes packaged in a container with a hose attachment area. All you have to do is connect the hose to your pump and spray it directly on your lawn.

The one thing I did not like about this Simple Solutions Liquid Fertilizer for Lawns is that it may burn your lawn if you apply a little too much.

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Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK - Lawn Food Quality Liquid...
10,059 Reviews
Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK - Lawn Food Quality Liquid...
  • Complete NPK Lawn Food: 16-4-8 is the perfect blend of key macronutrients. This lawn liquid food turf fertilizer also contains Seaweed & Fish.
  • Contains High Quality Feed Grade Ingredients: Nourish your lawn with pure liquid Nutrients in a ready to use sprayer
  • Easy To Use: Designed to be easily applied. This complete Nitrogen, Phosphate and Potash formula gives your grass greening & growth while providing nutrients for lush lawns

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BEST NITROGEN FERTILIZER | BEST SLOW-RELEASE ORGANIC

4) Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food

Miracle-Gro lawn food best fertilizer for bermuda grass

  • 30-0-6 NPK fertilizer analysis
  • A single 5lb packet feeds 600 sq. ft.
  • The high nitrogen content guarantees deep green grass.
  • Fast-acting fertilizer on Bermuda grass
  • Safe for use on other turfgrasses

Miracle-Gro is one of the best water-soluble fertilizers for Bermuda grass and other turfgrasses. It produces quick greening and faster growth since you apply it as a liquid fertilizer.

What I like about Miracle-Grow Lawn Food is that you can apply at any time of the growing season. My Bermuda grass turned beautifully green in just under a week and started to grow into a thick and lush carpet.

Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Lawn Food, 5 lb.
4,947 Reviews
Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Lawn Food, 5 lb.
  • Instantly feeds all grass types
  • Encourages a soft green carpet of grass that will be the pride of the neighborhood
  • Feeds up to 7,200 sq. ft.

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5) Milorganite 0636 Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer

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  • Top-class organic fertilizer.
  • Slow-release fertilizer for longer feeding.
  • The salt-free formula won’t burn your lawn.
  • 100% safe for humans and pets.
  • Has iron for deep greening.
  • Fast-acting – see results from one week of application.
  • One application feeds Bermudagrass up to 10 weeks!

No doubt, Milorganite is the best organic, high nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer for Bermuda grass and other turfgrasses. Composition: N-P-K 6-4-0: 6% nitrogen; 4% phosphorus; and, 0% potassium.

This brand is a top-rated fertilizer for lawns because it produces good results – greener, thicker, healthier Bermuda grass lawns in as little as 10 weeks with just a single application.

In fact, on a lawn that was quite damaged in the summer of the other year, I applied Milorganite organic fertilizer and the Bermuda grass just turned into a beautifully lush, thick green blanket. The results were consistent and long-lasting.

Milorganite is a salt-free fertilizer, meaning that it won’t burn Bermuda grass or any other grass even if you apply an excessive amount. However, I would warn against over-fertilization because too much organic matter can easily lead to increased bioactivity, lawn grubs, and other insects that can easily be a menace to your lawn.

Milorganite is also iron-rich, meaning it quickly helps your lawn turn into a lush, deep green cover that you can easily mow and stripe for a beautiful look.

The organic matter in this lawn fertilizer is heat-activated and gets decomposed by microorganisms in your lawn. This means you can even apply it when your Bermuda grass lawn is dormant, the fertilizer will not harm your grass. It will start working as soon as the grass starts coming back to life.

Pro tip: Never feed quick-release fertilizers to a dormant lawn. It will feed the weeds and give them a head start over your lawn. Competing weeds such as crabgrass in Bermuda grass lawns can quickly spread and damage your lawn. If you want to fertilize a dormant lawn, Milorganite is one of the best slow-release fertilizers for Bermuda grass and other grass types.

No products found.


6) Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food

Best fertilizer for bermuda grass - granular - Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food

Here’s what I liked about Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food:

  • Great starter fertilizer – encourages deep and strong root development.
  • The granules produce even feeding and consistent greening.
  • High nitrogen content: 32-0-4 NPK composition for lush green lawns.

This is one of the highly-rated fertilizers for Bermuda grass and other turfgrasses across many online outlets. But since I don’t just like believing the hype and the high ratings on Amazon, Home Depot, etc. I’ve tested various lawn products from Scotts.

Can you use Scotts Turf Builder on Bermuda grass? Absolutely! Whether you’re shopping for a good starter fertilizer or something to keep feeding an existing turf, you’ll get all that from this highly-rated brand.

By now you already know a high nitrogen fertilizer is great for Bermuda grass. The composition contains no phosphorus but high amounts of Nitrogen. If you feed and water your lawn adequately, you’ll see quick growth and greening.

I applied it on my Southern California lawn and it turned green fast. Within two weeks of application, the test lawn transformed into a dense deep green cover. You may want to mow Bermuda grass twice to keep up with the growth rate.

Two things I did not like about it even with its excellent performance in helping Bermuda grass grow thicker and greener:

  • Being a synthetic fertilizer, Scotts Lawn Food can easily burn your Bermuda grass if you don’t get the instructions on the label. You will want to get the fertilizer spreader settings spot on, as well as the amount for your size of lawn correctly.
  • I like a fertilizer that I can apply on a dormant lawn to help it get a headstart when temperatures start to warm up. This one is not recommended for use during Bermuda grass dormancy.
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Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food - Fertilizer for All Grass Types,...
9,056 Reviews
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food - Fertilizer for All Grass Types,...
  • Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food feeds and strengthens grass to help protect against future problems
  • Fertilizer builds strong, deep roots and improves the lawn's ability to absorb water and nutrients (vs. unfed lawn)
  • Apply lawn care product to a wet or dry lawn

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FERTILIZER AND WEED KILLER 70/ BEST WEED AND FEED 90

7) Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3

Best Weed and Feed Fertilizer for Bermuda grass - Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed

  • Powerful formula for killing 50+ broadleaf weeds.
  • Feeds lawns, and makes Bermuda grass grow thick.
  • Helps Bermuda grass crowd and choke out weeds easily.

A weed and feed fertilizer is also good for Bermuda grass lawns. It does two things for you: kill weeds and nourish your turfgrass.

If I can find a product to put down and do two things with it, I always prefer the combination. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed kill quite several broadleaf weeds in your lawn, so there’s no need to buy another weed killer for lawns.

That said, there’s a reason why Scotts lawn care products are great and highly rated. They produce results, are reliable, and affordable. Homeowners with small lawns as well as those with bigger lawns can find the right size.

What weeds will the Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed kill? Here’s the complete list.

DandelionsGround Ivy
AsterHawkweed
BindweedHealall
BittercressHenbit
Black MedicHorseweed
BuckhornKnotweed
Bull ThistleLambsquarters
BurcloverLespedeza (Seedling),
ButtonweedLippia (Matchweed)
Canada ThistleMallow
CarpetweedMoneywort
Catsear (Coast Dandelion)Morning Glory
ChickweedPepperweed,
ChicoryPigweed
CinquefoilPlantain
Clover (Hop)Pursiane
Clover (Red)Pusley
Clover (White)Ragweed
CudweedRed Sorrel (Sheep Sorrel)
Curly DockScarlet Pimpernel
DandelionShepherd’s-purse
DichondraSmartweed
DollarweedSowthistle
English DaisySpurweed

To get the best from this weed and feed fertilizer for Bermuda grass lawns, ensure you apply it when your grass is wet.

You may want to water your lawn first before applying the granular weed and feed fertilizer for it to work effectively. If not, wait until immediately after it rains to apply it.

Cons of Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed

While I like this product for many reasons, I always advise homeowners to use a separate weed control herbicide other than one that comes in one application with a fertilizer.

One major downside is that Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed can not work as a pre-emergent for weeds such as crabgrass. It also does not kill crabgrass and most grassy weeds.

You’ll still need to put down a crabgrass preventer and killer separately to control such tough-to-kill grassy weeds.

Another alternative you may want to consider is the BioAdvanced 704840B 3 in 1 Weed and Feed for Southern Lawns (Granules).

Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed3, Weed Killer...
7,253 Reviews
Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed3, Weed Killer...
  • Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed3 weed killer and lawn fertilizer controls listed weeds and feeds grass in the fall for a better lawn next spring
  • Fall weed and feed kills over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, evening primrose, and purslane
  • Apply weed control plus grass fertilizer to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F

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8) Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore Fertilizer (BEST ORGANIC)

Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore Fertilizer (BEST ORGANIC)
  • Quick plant response after application.
  • Rapid greening and thickening from as few as 3 days.
  • Won’t burn your lawn.
  • 100% organic with real plant nutrients (no animal waste).
  • 10-0-6 NPK – high nitrogen for Bermuda grass lawns.
  • No odors, unlike Milorganite organic fertilizer.
  • Highly effective microbial feed for better turf soil vitality.
  • Can be applied in winter when longer growth cycles occur.
  • You can use it on warm and cool-season lawn grasses.

Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore Fertilizer is an amazing product on our list of top fertilizers for Bermuda grass.

Even if you’re starting new sod, you’ll find its formulation great for the development of stronger roots. It breaks down the soil structure, making it easy for Bermuda grass roots to penetrate deep into the soil.

As a result, you’ll get deeper roots, which also means better absorption of water and nutrients as well as improved drought tolerance during summer.

You may have heard about top-rated organic fertilizers. They’re good, but some like Milorganite may come with some odor to withstand. Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore Fertilizer does not have any odor when applied because it is made using plant-based ingredients. No poultry litter is used to make it.

Pro tip: The best way to develop a healthy Bermuda grass fertilizer is to take care of the microorganisms thriving in your soil. All the other Bermuda grass calendar activities should drive towards this.

Lawn Restore fertilizer works towards a healthy microorganism activity in the lawn. The bacteria and fungi in your soil then produce the nutrients your lawn needs to be lush, green and thick.

Safer Brand 9334 Lawn Restore Fertilizer – 25 lb
996 Reviews
Safer Brand 9334 Lawn Restore Fertilizer – 25 lb
  • Revitalizes lawn to a thick turf by strengthening root systems
  • Lawns will green up within 3 to 5 days
  • Promotes a robust root system for a healthier lawn

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9) Urban Farm Fertilizers Liquid Lawn Fertilizer

Liquid lawn fertilizer for bermuda grass Urban Farm
  • Contains mycorrhizae, humic acid, and enzymes, all brewed in one.
  • Balanced N-P-K formulation, rich in iron.
  • Mycorrhizae increase nutrient uptake by 100 – 1000 times.
  • Greens Bermuda grass quickly.
  • Contains iron for quick greening.

This one is a foliar fertilizer. I tried it on a new Bermuda grass lawn and it took hold fast, grew fast, and is now green and lush. The reason for this is the mycorrhizae fungi in the formulation.

The fungi form a beneficial relationship with grass – they form extensions on the roots of the grass, making it possible to reach deeper into the soil and absorb more nutrients.

Mycorrhizae form a mutually beneficial relationship with grass roots, stimulating lawns to grow thick and lush.

If your lawn is starting to weaken and grow thin, you might want to pick this as your best fertilizer for Bermuda grass.

Urban Farm Fertilizers Liquid Lawn Fertilizer, 1 gallon, 13-1-2.
666 Reviews
Urban Farm Fertilizers Liquid Lawn Fertilizer, 1 gallon, 13-1-2.
  • Hand-crafted, Micro-brewed liquid lawn fertilizer for all lawn and pasture. With mycorrhizae, humic acid, enzymes, and more.
  • 100% nutrition: Macros & Micros, with Iron and balanced N-P-K.
  • Perfect for tow behind tank and hose-end spraying! Instant Green.

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What Is the Best Liquid Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass?

The Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Energizer is billed as the best liquid fertilizer for bermuda grass and helps create a thicker, greener lawn. It features 70 percent quick-release and 30 percent slow-release nitrogen to feed your bermuda grass plant immediately.

Additionally, the Simple Lawn Solutions liquid fertilizer for Bermuda grass also contains iron to help you achieve a rich, dark green color and enhance existing minerals in the soil for a vigorous lawn.

It is ready to use right out of the box and comes with a hose-end sprayer and coves up to 3.200 square feet.

Pros:

  • 70 percent quick-release and 30 percent slow-release nitrogen
  • Contains iron
  • Enhances existing minerals in the soil
  • Comes with a hose-end sprayer

Cons:

  • The quality of the hose-end sprayer needs improvement
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High Nitrogen 28-0-0 Liquid Lawn Food Fertilizer (32 Ounce with...
87 Reviews
High Nitrogen 28-0-0 Liquid Lawn Food Fertilizer (32 Ounce with...
  • 28-0-0 Lawn Food: 70% Quick Release and 30% Slow Release Nitrogen: Quick Release Nitrogen for immediate nutrients, and Slow Release Nitrogen to continue to feed in between fertilizer applications.
  • Lawn Energizer Booster: Encourages Darker Green Turf: Lawn Energizer contains Nitrogen and Iron to help you achieve that dark green color.
  • Easy to Use: Our Lawn Fertilizers come with a ready-to-use hose end sprayer that applies the perfect ratio of product for lawn applications. Covers 3,200 square feet.

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What Is the Best Nitrogen Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass?

The Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food is perhaps the best nitrogen fertilizer for Bermuda grass owing to its high nitrogen content. It features a 15-9-12 NPK along with micro and secondary nutrients and feeds your turf for up to 6 months after each application.

One of the noteworthy features of the Osmocote Smart-release plant food s that it won’t burn your grass even if over-applied up to 3 times.

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Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor, 8 lb.
19,571 Reviews
Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor, 8 lb.
  • OSMOCOTE QUALITY: Osmocote is the original slow-release plant food. Decades of rigorous field testing confirm product effectiveness with hundreds of plant species in a variety of climate and soil conditions.
  • OSMOCOTE’S BEST FORMULA: Each homogeneous granule contains 15-9-12 NPK plus micro and secondary nutrients and feeds up to 6 full months.
  • OSMOCOTE’S SECRET: Soil temperature controls how Osmocote releases its nutrients, and more importantly how nutrients are taken up by the plant. Replenishment and feeding are in natural harmony.

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Before You Buy Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass (Buyers Guide)

First things first, always submit a soil sample or do a pH soil test to determine the nutrients that you need in plenty. This will help you choose a good fertilizer for Bermuda grass on your lawn.

Read the label all the time to determine the application ratios to get the right amount of fertilizer to feed your lawn.

Best Starter Fertilizer for Bermudagrass Lawns

A good Bermuda grass calendar should start right at the seeding level. Most users prefer going for sod. To make your sod take root and firm-up real quick, apply a good starter fertilizer.

For Bermuda grass care, creating a rich soil environment that sustains the seedlings for at least a month is key. That’s why you need a starter fertilizer that promotes root development and faster growth of leaf blades. That means high nitrogen, and a fairly good amount of phosphorus.

Here are the best starter fertilizers for Bermuda grass lawns:

Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass

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Scotts Turf Builder Starter Fertilizer for New Grass, Use When...
10,130 Reviews
Scotts Turf Builder Starter Fertilizer for New Grass, Use When...
  • Grows new grass 70% thicker, 35% quicker versus unfed grass
  • Improves seeding results--also great for sod and grass plugs
  • 24-25-4 fertilizer ratio provides the nutrients for developing lawns

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  • 24-25-4 N-P-K fertilizer for better roots and grass blades.
  • 35% quicker growth of new sod and grass seed.
  • 75% thicker growth of Bermuda grass
  • Can also be used to boost growth when overseeding Bermuda grass.
The Best Starter Fertilizer to Use

If you’re just starting to establish a new lawn, you’d rather start with a good starter fertilizer for Bermuda grass. Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food is one of the highly recommended for new grass seed and sod.

It gives your lawn a quick start by speeding up the development of new and healthy grass blades and roots.

When you feed your grass with the Scotts Starter Food, it gains 75% thicker growth and 35% quicker growth than when you use a standard fertilizer. So if you thought a 10-10-10 fertilizer would be a great starter fertilizer for Bermuda grass lawns, you might want to consider this product first.

LESCO 18-24-12 Professional Starter Fertilizer

For a new landscape, you want to establish your grass fast. Some options you have may be sodding, hydroseeding, or seeding. Whichever method you use, you might want to give your Bermuda grass a great start.

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Lesco’s 18-24-12 fertilizer is a professional-grade starter feed. Here are the pros and cons of this product:

  • Safe for new seedlings – won’t burn them.
  • Slow-release formula for continuous feeding.
  • One application will feed new sod for 8 – 12 weeks.
  • High phosphorus content for strong roots.
  • You can use it for Southern, Mid-South, Midwest, and Northeast lawns.
  • Can be used when overseeding a Bermuda grass lawn.

Pro tip: Remember to wait to fertilize a new Bermuda lawn until at least 8 weeks. Most early applications of any fertilizer can easily burn your lawn. In some instances, you may end up wasting fertilizer because the young roots may not be able to absorb as much of it as you want.

What to Look For in a Good Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass fertilizer will usually have a higher N ratio in the NPK rating on fertilizer bags. The high nitrogen will give the grass that deep green that most are looking for.

When to Fertilize Bermuda Grass?

Bermuda Grass Calendar and Schedule

To maintain a good turf, you may want to be spot-on when it comes to timing and applying lawn fertilizer. But what is the best time to fertilize Bermuda grass?

In a proper Bermuda grass calendar, care starts with new sod or seed. In general, start a fertilizer program in spring when temperatures start to warm up a bit. Start when soil temperature is at least 60 °F. This is when your grass starts to turn green again after the frost goes away.

Early applications can easily burn your lawn or lead to wastage of lawn food as the Bermuda grass may not be ready to absorb the fertilizer during dormancy.

Sometimes, I like to apply a winter fertilizer on my lawn to give it a head start come spring.

Note that weather changes in different patterns across different areas and states such as Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, etc. It is important to use soil temperature and also wait until your Bermudagrass is at least 50% green to start applying fertilizer.

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass for Each Season?

The type of fertilizer to apply to your Bermuda grass lawn varies by season so here’s what fertilizer works best for specific times of the year.

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass in the Spring?

The best fertilizer to use for Bermuda grass in the spring is a nitrogen-rich fertilizer such as one that has a 16-0-8 NPK. Avoid using fertilizers that have a lot of phosphorus and potassium. This formulation promotes strong growth and vibrant colors and helps your lawn stay healthy.

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass in the Summer?

Apply ½ to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in the early summer (May) after your lawn greens up. However, this rate can vary depending on your soil’s condition. This is a good time to perform a soil test to determine if your soil has sufficient phosphorus.

In the mid-summer in June or July, fertilizer bermuda grass with ½ to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. You can also use a fertilizer that’s high in potassium and phosphorus only if a soil test calls for the latter.

Apply ½ to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet before August 15 (late summer) and a fertilizer that’s high in potassium such as a 15-0-15 NPK. Your soil should also have sufficient potassium during this time as the grass enters dormancy and potassium helps resist disease and cold weather hardiness.

What Is the Best Fall Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass?

Use a fertilizer that contains both nitrogen and potassium in the fall like Scotts turf fertilizer. The extra potassium will help resist disease and keep your Bermuda grass lawn strong before going dormant for the winter.

How much fertilizer to apply whether organic fertilizer or synthetic fertilizers will depend on the result of a soil test.

What Is the Best Winter Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass?

Fertilizing your Bermuda grass turf in the winter gives it a boost when it starts growing again in the spring. But do not fertilize Bermuda grass in mid-winter as the fertilizer will simply sit on top of the snow/frozen grass and hence will cause damage to the grass.

Fertilize Bermuda grass before it goes dormant (early fall) with either the Simple Lawn Solutions fertilizer, after which you don’t have to fertilize the lawn until next fall.

Benefits of Selecting a Good Fertilizer for Bermuda Lawns

By now you already know how important it is to choose a good fertilizer for your Bermuda grass lawn. With the correct product, there’s a lot your turfgrass will benefit when you follow the right fertilization calendar and schedule.

Here are the benefits of fertilizing Bermuda grass and how to know you’re reaping them:

#1. The color gets greener and deep

A well-fed Bermuda grass lawn should get a greener color. This is what you’ll notice when you look at your neighboring lawns and find that they do not have the deep green color that yours has.

Poor feeding schedule easily leads to browning, or the lack of the intense green that usually produces a lush green turf.

#2. Dense turf

Turf density refers to how thick your lawn is. If you’re growing Bermuda grass, you should expect it to spread quickly and form a thick cover.

You’ll only get a dense Bermuda turf if you feed it with the right amounts of fertilizer. The nitrogen in the top-rated fertilizers for Bermuda grass helps it develop healthy shoots and grass blades.

Phosphorus is very important in helping your lawn develop roots, which are very important for feeding or absorbing nutrients and water from the soil.

Note that dense turfs:

  • Isgood for choking out weeds
  • Tolerate foot traffic better
  • Have a beautiful appearance

#3. Recovery from thinning

A good fertilization program can help your lawn to improve and grow back after suffering from disease, thinning, and intense abuse from foot traffic.

A well-fed Bermuda lawn will fill in the bald spots quickly because it grows from the horizontal stolons.

What Fertilizer Makes Bermuda Spread?

Apply a nitrogen fertilizer such as the Miracle-Gro water soluble fertilizer in the appropriate amount if you want Bermuda grass to spread faster and for a thick green lawn. You can spread dry granular fertilizers with a fertilizer spreader and water-soluble fertilizers with a hose-end sprayer.


FAQs

Which Scotts Fertilizer Is Best for Bermuda Grass?

The Scotts Southern Turf Builder Lawn Food is the best Scotts fertilizer for Bermuda grass because it helps improve a lawn’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Further, it is safe to walk on your Bermuda grass lawn immediately after applying Scotts Southern Turf Builder Lawn Food.

What Brand of Fertilizer Is Best for Bermuda Grass?

There are several brands of fertilizers that are best for Bermuda grass. These include Miloganite, the Safer Brand, the Andersons, Scotts, and Pennington.

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass in Texas?

In the absence of a soil test, the best fertilizer for Bermuda grass is one that is high in nitrogen only (21-0-0) or is low in phosphorus (examples: 21-3-6 or 15-0-15).

What Fertilizer Ratio Is Best for Bermuda Grass?

The best fertilizer ratio for Bermuda grass is 16-0-8, which is high in nitrogen and contains no phosphorus, and 8 percent potassium.

How Do I Make My Bermuda Grass Dark Green?

There are several ways to make your Bermuda grass green including applying fertilizer at the right times of the year such as once a month between April and September when it’s dry and watering immediately after spreading the fertilizer.


Final Thoughts

Bermuda grass is one of the best warm-season grasses for residential turfs and grows well as long it receives the right level of care including the right fertilizers for Bermuda.

The best fertilizer for Bermuda grass is one that’s high in nitrogen, low in potassium, and contains little or no phosphorus. You can apply fertilizer with a garden feeder or spreader but avoid fertilizer applications in the winter when the lawn is dormant.


References


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