Bermudagrass Hulled vs Unhulled Seed Calculator
Compare hulled and unhulled bermudagrass seeding rates in pounds per acre, accounting for the pure live seed difference between the two forms.
How This Calculation Works
Bulk pounds per acre equals the target live seeds per acre divided by seeds per pound, then divided by the pure live seed fraction. Hulled bermudagrass has about 1.9 million seeds per pound and unhulled about 800,000, so unhulled seed needs roughly twice the bulk weight for the same live seed count. Dividing by 43.56 gives pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Field Calibration & Rate Reference Chart
| Species | Seeds/lb | Target seeds/ac | Bulk lb/ac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall fescue | 227,000 | 3,000,000 | 15 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 1,100,000 | 1,500,000 | 2 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 227,000 | 4,000,000 | 20 |
| Bermudagrass hulled | 1,900,000 | 2,000,000 | 1 |
| Bermudagrass unhulled | 800,000 | 2,000,000 | 3 |
| Alfalfa | 200,000 | 5,000,000 | 28 |
| Winter wheat | 12,000 | 1,200,000 | 105 |
| Soybean | 2,800 | 160,000 | 63 |
| Corn | 1,400 | 34,000 | 27 |
| Cereal rye | 18,000 | 1,200,000 | 73 |
Common Questions
What is the difference between hulled and unhulled bermudagrass seed?
Hulled seed has the outer hull removed, which speeds germination and improves uniformity. Unhulled seed retains the hull, germinates more slowly and needs a higher bulk rate. The live seed count per pound differs sharply between the two.
How much bermudagrass seed per acre?
Hulled seed is often seeded at 5 to 10 pounds per acre and unhulled at 10 to 20 pounds, depending on the target stand. Adjust for the seed tag's pure live seed. Higher rates speed establishment.
Does hulled bermudagrass seed store well?
Hulled seed has a shorter storage life and should be planted within a season for best germination. Unhulled seed stores longer because the hull protects the seed. Buy hulled seed fresh and plant it promptly.
When should I plant bermudagrass seed?
Plant when soil temperatures are consistently above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, usually late spring through midsummer. Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass and needs heat to establish. Late planting risks winterkill of immature plants.