Princess 77 Bermudagrass
Princess 77 Bermudagrass is the first dense, fine textured F1 hybrid bermudagrass variety to be available in seeded form. Princess 77 seed is produced much like hybrid seed corn, but instead of two inbred parent lines, two self-incompatible but cross-fertile parent clones are planted in alternating rows. The specific combining ability of these two elite parent clones is what makes Princess 77 the first seeded bermudagrass that is competitive with the vegetative hybrid bermudagrasses for turfgrass quality, leaf texture, color, and density.
Characteristics of Princess 77:
- High tolerance to sun, drought and traffic
- Outstanding drought tolerance
- Dark green color, medium fine leaf texture
- High leaf density
- Good fall color retention
- Higher overall turf quality than all commercial seeded varieties in U.S. and International tests
Establishing Princess 77
Princess 77 should be planted when soil temperatures are consistently above 65º F (18º C). For best results, take a soil sample and follow fertility recommendations prior to planting. Care must be taken not to cover the seed with too much soil; no more than 1/8 inch (3 mm) covering over the seed is advised.
After seeding, soil moisture in the root zone must be maintained for about 1 to 2 weeks, germination may begin within 7 to 10 days. After the new turf is established, less frequent, deep watering is desirable.
Maintaining Princess 77
No more than 1/3 of the leaf blade should be removed per mowing. Recommended mowing height is 3/16 to 1 inch (5 to 25 mm). Full coverage may be attained in 4 to 6 weeks with proper management. Fertilize with ½ to 1 lb/1,000 sq ft actual N (0.25 to 0.5 kg /100 sq m) per month of growing season for optimum performance, fertilization may be reduced by ½ if clippings are returned.
This is a dense hybrid - verticut at least once per growing season during periods of active growth. Winter overseeding may be done for year round green color, but is generally not recommended on turf less than 6 months old.