Monaco Bermuda Grass Seed
Description
Monaco is a superior seeded bermudagrass that is excellent for use on golf courses, sports turf, and higher quality lawns. It has excellent density and wear tolerance. Bred for a genetically darker green color, it also has quicker spring green-up, high fall color retention, and winter hardiness, Monaco will make a great addition to your landscape! Continuing the legacy founded by Riviera, we are pleased to announce the newest release from Johnston Seed's breeding program - Monaco seeded bermudagrass! Monaco is a synthetic variety produced by the intercrossing of five clonal parent lines which results in superior genetic integrity and seed quality year in and year out. A highly ranked variety tested in the 2013 NTEP trials, Monaco possesses a rare combination of traits in exceptional wear tolerance, winter hardiness, and spring green-up. These traits produce a quality grass surface that appears early, withstands a multitude of stresses, and stays late into the year.
Monaco can be used as a durable, high quality playing surface in golf courses, sports fields, and parks. It is not recommended to construct a putting green with Monaco as a base. Monaco also makes a very high quality lawn that can be easily repaired when needed via seed, or used to repair other bermudagrass areas. In terms of matching other varieties, Monaco has a medium to dark green color and is similar in leaf texture to vegetative types such as Patriot, Astro, and Celebration.
Application
In the 2016 NTEP trials, Monaco was a proven performer. Rating high in several categories, Monaco specifically stood out in trials encompassing overall turfgrass quality, early spring green-up, and fall color. Included in over 10 trial sites from coast to coast and from the transition zone to the deep south, Monaco exhibits superior adaptability. This range of implementation makes it the perfect choice for traditional bermudagrass regions and transition climates alike.
Establishment
For best results with this grass, Monaco should be planted in areas of full sunlight when soil temperatures reach 65° F (18° C) and rising. Seeding rate is 2 to 3 pounds of Monaco seed per 1000 square feet (1 to 1.5 kg/100 square meters) in a well-prepared firm seedbed. Cover seed with no more than 1/4 inch (6mm) of soil. Maintain adequate soil moisture around seed using frequent but light irrigation. During the grow-in phase, it is recommended to apply 0.5 lbs. nitrogen/1000 square feet every 2 weeks with the first application made 2 weeks after emergence. Continue this schedule for 60 to 90 days then apply 0.75 to 1.5 lbs. nitrogen/1000 square feet each month of the growing season. The management intensity level will determine the amount of nitrogen required monthly. Sports turf installations should use the higher rate while residential lawns may prefer to use the lower rate. It should also be noted that in fall, when Monaco is preparing for dormancy, it is recommended to apply additional amounts of potassium while significantly reducing nitrogen.
Certification
The Grass Seed Certification program establishes the genetic purity and germination of varieties, blends, and mixtures. The certification process begins with the proper field history before production and continues through the bagging of a grass seed lot with every step independently verified by Seed Certification personnel. Each bermuda grass seed lot to be certified is sampled by Certification personnel and tested in the state seed laboratory, so the grass seed you buy is the seed that was tested If even one standard in this process failed, the lot is uncertified. You can rest assured that your bermuda grass seed is certified!
Yellow Jacket Enhanced Seed Coating
Monaco is coated with Yellow Jacket Enhanced Seed Coating. Yellow Jacket is like having a sponge around each and every seed. Once water is applied, the coating holds that moisture and other nutrients around the seed - making them available as needed for germination and establishment. Without coating, the water simply passes the seed allowing it to dry out, resulting in more frequent watering and increased expense.
Featuring a starch-based super-absorbent capable of holding up to 600 times its own weight in water, University of New Mexico trials demonstrate Yellow Jacket enhanced seed establishes faster than raw seed and requires less water. Faster, stronger turf establishment provides superior natural competition to weeds and disease. This results in improved turf quality, reduced establishment costs and faster utilization of a newly seeded area.
Maintenance
Begin mowing the new stand approximately 3 to 4 weeks after emergence depending on the conditions at the time of establishment. The recommended minimum mowing height during establishment is 1 inch. Once the sod matures, the mowing height can be gradually reduced to a minimum of 3/8 of an inch. As the mowing height is decreased, the required management level will be increased.