Question
QUESTION: I just planted Sahara Bermuda grass seed.  It germinated fairly quickly but for some reason seems to be stuck.  Is it just my imagination and its still growing?  I have been watching it and I don't seem to notice it progressing very much.  It started out well but seems to have stopped.  I top dressed the seed with a soil that had fertilizer in it so I haven't applied any fertilizer since I planted.  Should I fertilize now?  Any help would be appreciated.

ANSWER: JP:

I do not know where you are, so this answer is only a guess.  The slow down may be entirely seasonal, related to lower temperatures.  Here in NC, we have had daytime temps of 50 to 70 deg F for two weeks or so and nighttime temps of 30 to 50 deg F.  This range is not suited to robust Bermuda growth.

You may not see top growth now, but roots are still growing.  Wait until spring to fertilize, when temps are back toward 80-85 deg F.

Sahara is an improved variety and should serve you well.

Best wishes.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry about not letting you know where I was.  I live in Hawaii.  Daytime temps in the 80's, night time temps in the low 70's.

Answer
JP:

The temperatures are correct for growth.  I wonder about photoperiodicity, or the grass genetic markers which control growth based on amount of sunlight. I did a search, but could not access publications based on lack of subscription.

That is the best I can do at the moment.  In case this theory is incorrect, there may be some inhibitor in the soil.  However, a test to reveal that would be very sensitive and, possibly, expensive.

Sorry I can not give you a definitive answer.