CHARACTERISTICS AND CULTURE 
SEA 
GERMINATION OF SEED 
The germination of Buffel Grass seed increases 
with the age of the seed. Before planting, the seed 
should have a dormant period of at least 90 days, 
Tests in the laboratory are not always indicative 
of the true germinative ability of the seed, but 
should be considered merely a guide. Mature, live 
seed may test relatively low at first but show a 
later percentage of germination almost equal to the 
purity percentage after it has had a sufficient pe- 
riod of dormancy, 
PREPARATION OF SEED BED 
The most desirable seed bed is one that is firm 
and well-packed. Cultivation of the land before seed- 
ing should be very shallow, and care should be 
taken to loosen the ground as little as possible. 
The moisture content should be such that the seed 
may be placed in a dry layer of top soil. 
TIME AND METHOD OF PLANTING 
Planting of Buffel Grass in the spring should 
take place after all] danger of frost is past. April 
15 is usually the earliest planting date recommend- 
ed. It may be planted at any time from that date 
onward through August. The April planting date 
applies to the central Texas area. It may be later 
farther north. Fall plantings should be made at 
least 60 days before the date on which the first 
killing frost usually occurs. 
There are two methods of planting. It may be 
planted broadcast in pastures or fields. This meth- 
od has been tried very successfully. In fact, Buffei 
Grass has been known to establish itself voluntarily — 
under such adverse conditions as solid bermuda 
grass turf. 
The preferred method of planting is in rows so 
that it may occasionally be cultivated. The width 
of the row should be that of any other row crop. 
The seed should be planted at a depth of one-half 
to three-quarters of an inch. 
