When

Although it is possible to plant Bahiagrass throughout the year, the best time to seed is during the early spring and summer months. Plant your Bahia between March and August for the best results. Bahia seeds need moist, warm soil to germinate.

How to Plant

You must first determine whether you want to plant Bahia into an existing lawn or start from scratch, which will require that you till your soil to kill any remaining weeds or grass. Tilling is ideal because plants growing near areas where you put seeds serve as competition to the new growth. Seeds need sunlight and nutrients and established plants will absorb much of that, making it harder for seeds to grow. In fact, some seeds likely will not germinate in these conditions. To eliminate this competition, make sure no adult plants are located within 6 inches from the area you are seeding. Another tip to keep in mind is that Bahia tends to thin out over time, so it's a good idea to overseed to ensure thick turf.

Tilling

First, till the area for planting. Use a garden tiller or a tractor harrow. You could also use a shovel if it's a small area. When you finish, level the ground with a rake. Remove any hills and depressions. Plant your seeds. Once this is done, rake or drag the seeded area to cover seeds with 1/4 inch of soil. Water the area. Put down fertilizer if needed during the growing season. Mow regularly. Remember that freshly seeded lawns need watering once or twice a day.

Not Tilling

For this planting method, mow the area low to remove excess plant materials. Then put down your seeds. Rake the area you sowed with a hand rake, making sure scratch marks are left in the soil between plants to let some seeds fall into valleys so they'll be covered with soil in time. Bahia grass seeds need this covering to grow. Again, a 1/4-inch covering is ideal. Bahia won't grow when simply thrown on the ground and left. Follow normal watering and fertilizing practices for the area.