Bermuda Couch Grass Seed Blend
McKays Bermuda Couch Blend combines Bermuda Couch (Sahara Couch grass), Annual Ryegrass, and McKays Slow Release Fertiliser.
The Annual Ryegrass acts as a protective layer, nurturing the growth of Bermuda Couch during the first year. As temperatures rise, the Ryegrass dies off, allowing Bermuda Couch’s aggressive runners to fill any bare or thin areas, making it ideal for large areas or temperate climates in Australia.
For areas where temperatures frequently exceed 25 degrees, consider Bermuda Couch Grass Seed, as the Annual Rye in this blend may not thrive in such conditions.
Seeding Rates
Please note: Seeding rate for the Bermuda Couch Grass Seed Blend is higher than that of the Bermuda Couch Grass Seed.
- New Lawns: 30 grams per square meter (3 kg/100m2).
- Over-seeding: 15 grams per square meter (3 kg/200m2).
Restrictions
There are currently quarantine restrictions for seeds being sent to TAS and WA.
Tasmanian customers: When placing an online order, please document ‘ATT: TAS Biosecurity’ in the ‘Company’ section above the address line to enable faster processing of your seed through quarantine.
WA customers: Quarantine fees apply for seed inspection. Please contact McKays Seeds through the Contact Us link or via phone to discuss your options.
For more information see below for Description and Features to see if this grass suits you!
Blade
Fine
Colour
Medium
Growth
Runner
Growth Rate
Medium-Fast
Detailed Description
The Bermuda Couch Grass Seed Blend is designed to provide a robust and resilient lawn, combining the fast-growing properties of Annual Ryegrass with the hardy nature of Bermuda Couch. This blend offers excellent weed control and erosion resistance while the Couch grass establishes, making it an ideal choice for lawns and landscapes requiring quick coverage and lasting quality.
Optimal pH
Bermuda Couch performs best in soils with moderate acidity (pH 5.8-7.0), but tolerates more alkaline conditions.
Sowing Tips
Sow into soft topsoil or sandy loam. Broadcast the seed at, or very near, the soil surface and incorporate lightly with raking. To ensure best coverage and avoid seed wastage, we recommend using an appropriate seed spreader for the size of your area. Soil must remain damp throughout the germination period and must be maintained for at least 1-2 weeks after sowing through irrigation or natural rainfall.
Optimal Planting Time
Autumn and Spring sowing is recommended for this seed. For best results, plant in a climate that ranges between 18-25 degrees Celsius.
Germination
Annual Ryegrass will germinate in 7-10 days with sufficient water. The Bermuda Couch grass should germinate within 21 days, though this is climate dependent.
Water
The Bermuda Couch Grass Seed Blend has an increased water requirement in the first year due to the large component of Annual Ryegrass. Once the Annual Ryegrass has died off, watering requirements will decrease. For ongoing water management, refer to Bermuda Couch Grass Seed guidelines.
Fertilising
Fertilise several times a year with McKay’s Slow Release Fertiliser. Couch grass requires generous Nitrogen applications for optimum performance during the growing season. Fertiliser application is recommended approximately 6 weeks after sowing during the active growth phase.
First Mowing
When Annual Ryegrass reaches approximately 5-7cm tall, it’s ready for the first mow. Extra care should be taken with the Bermuda Couch grass underneath, as it may not be fully established.
Mowing Frequency
Set the mower to cut at approximately 5cm above ground level and repeat mowing when the grass grows about 2.5cm above the set level. Once fully established, Bermuda Couch performs best at mowing heights of 13-38mm.
Mowing Tips
- Remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf per mow.
- The lower you mow it, the more often you need to mow.
- In shady areas, increase the mowing height of the grass.
- Mowing is the best form of weed control.
Disadvantages of Bermuda Couch Grass Seed Blend
- The Annual Ryegrass will not tolerate prolonged temperatures above 30 degrees and requires more water than pure Bermuda Couch Grass Seed.
- The seeding rate for the Bermuda Couch Grass Seed Blend is 3x higher than that of pure Bermuda Couch Grass Seed.
- It takes longer to establish a pure Bermuda Couch lawn compared to using pure Bermuda Couch Grass Seed due to the blend’s composition.
Seed and Package Details
70% Annual Ryegrass, 20% Bermuda (Sahara) Couch grass, 10% Fertiliser (by weight).
Independently Tested
85% Min Germination, 98% purity. A seed testing certificate is available upon request.
Ideal Usage
Lawns, Commercial Landscapes, Parks, Playgrounds, Acreages.
Locations
Season
Warm season grasses thrive during the warmer months in Spring and Summer and may go dormant in cooler climates through winter.
Cool season grasses thrive during the cooler months in Winter
Seed information
Shade tolerance (Weather)
- Full Sun
- Part Shade
- Heavy Shade
- Full Shade
Drought tolerance (Weather)
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Traffic tolerance (Weather)
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Frost tolerance
- Poor
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Average days to germination
- 2-3 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-4 Weeks
Free Metro Shipping On All Orders Over $75
We provide free standard delivery shipping for all orders to "metro" zones, where the total cart value exceeds $75.00.
Otherwise, to metro zones it's a flat rate of $9 (for orders under $75).
Non-Metro Zones
Standard Delivery
Australia Wide (except Western Australia), at cost from Australia Post.
Orders are dispatched within 24 hours via regular Australia Post (3-5 business days).
Express Post
In a hurry? Express shipping is available at checkout for both Metro and Non-Metro Zones. Priced according to shipment weight.
WA Customers
Due to quarantine restrictions, we have a different product range available for Western Australia.
If you are shopping for delivery to WA, please view our WA site here
Pick-up Not Available
Sorry, we are not able to offer local pick-up.
International
Unfortunately we are not able to ship internationally.


