Princess 77 Bermuda Grass
Princess 77 Bermuda grass is the first dense, fine textured F1 hybrid Bermuda grass 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 Bermuda grass that is competitive with the vegetative hybrid Bermuda grasses for turf grass 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 inches (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.
