Science · Turfgrasses
Champion Bermuda
Ultradwarf hybrid selected for intensively managed putting greens.
Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis 'Champion' · Warm-season bermudagrass cultivar
Profile
- Growth
- Very fine, dense canopy with substantial thatch-management needs
- Propagation
- Vegetative planting; verify clean cultivar stock
- Season
- Active growth in warmth; cool-season dormancy is expected
- Establishment
- Vegetative stock preserves cultivar identity
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- Site-calibrated; measure field capacity and dry-down
- Salinity tolerance
- Generally good for turf; salts still accumulate without drainage
- Drought tolerance
- Good survival once established; green quality requires water
Optimal root measurement depth
1–3 in
Putting-green and fine-turf roots are short, especially in summer; read shallow. Typical guidance; confirm with a soil probe on site.
Schedule from rooting depth and evaporative demand; use frequent checks on shallow greens, not a fixed species-wide moisture target.
Problems to watch
- Spring dead spot where locally prevalent
- Thatch accumulation under intensive fertility
- Traffic or scalping during slow growth
Stress signs
- Persistent bare patches after spring green-up
- Puffy canopy or scalped brown stems
- Leaf folding and lingering footprints during drying
Where you'll find it
- Golf putting greens
- Closely managed practice greens
More turfgrasses
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.