Planting Bentgrass From Seed

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Seeding Rates Creeping & Colonial Bent Grass

New Construction - 1 - 11/2 lb per 1000 sq. ft.
Overseeding - 1/2 - 1 lb per 1000 sq. ft.
Winter Overseeding (Bermuda) - 1 lb per sq. ft.

Establishment of Bent Grass

Sow seed with a filler in two directions at 90° angles. Seed will germinate best when soil temperature is above 65°F (18°C). Irrigate frequently but lightly until seedlings are established. Avoid excess water or puddling.

Adaptation Map For Creeping Bentgrass

Please find below an adaptation map for creeping bentgrass.  Please note that the Climatic zones are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. 8, 9, and 10. BUT Bentgrass is not adaptable for all areas within each climatic zone.

It would be advisable to check with your local Agricultural Extension Office and to note that use of bentgrass in the more southern areas is almost exclusively on golf courses.

Inter- Seeding Bentgrass - THE PROCESS
Information for Professional Bentgrass greens.

There have been questions asked on the proper way to incorporate the New Penn Pals into existing greens, be it Penncross, Crenshaw, SR 1020, Putter and Bent/Poa. There is no really wrong way except for the one that does not provide the desired results. Interseeding has been done for many years numerous ways. The results have always been scrutinized as to the end product.

What I found to work the best is to a growth regulator (Turf Enhancer, Primo, etc.) two to three days before interceding. This will allow the growth regulator to begin suppressing the growth of the plant. The greens should be aerated with the quadratine using quarter (¼") or half-inch (½") tines, the tines maybe either solid or hollow. The choice is at the discretion of the Golf Course Superintendent. Depending on the type of aerator, the tines should be adjusted so that they penetrate the soil surface to a depth of one half inch (½"). This provides and excellent growing environment for the seedlings. The recommended seeding rate is approximately one quarter (¼) pound per 1,000 sq.ft.

In most cases the seeding rate has been two to three times the recommended rate with inadequate results. This is due to the inter competition between the seedlings. The seedlings are vulnerable to failure as they competing against each other, Poa annua and the present bentgrass. A light topdressing will provide a good seed to soil contact. Another option would be to do a light verticutting prior to seeding. There are probably other techniques that can be done to accomplish the end result. The process can be done once or twice a year and if desired bi-monthly depending on how rapidly the conversion would like to be accomplished.

It is important to keep the seedlings moist during establishment. An application of a fungicide to control Pythium is recommended as well as a good starter fertilizer. It is possible to view the seedlings after five to six days depending on time of year and weather conditions.

Once the seedlings have established themselves, an important decision will have to be made as to when to begin managing for the new A or G series bentgrasses. It is important when converting management practices to the new bentgrasses that the mowing height should be kept down during the summer at not to raise the cutting height. As this is the time the other bentgrasses and Poa annua will thin due to weather conditions and management practices and the A or G series bentgrasses will fill in. It is also important when watering to water to field capacity as this will benefit the transition to new bents. The A or G series bentgrasses will develop a deep and substantial root system. These bentgrasses perform well under high traffic and other stresses. The key is to not over manage them.

Provided by: Rick Elyea, Tee-2-Green, Turfgrass Consultant

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