Summary
Rio is a top-rated seeded turf type bermudagrass variety developed by the Johnston Seed Company. Rio exhibits excellent cold and frost tolerance as well as early spring green-up making it a great choice for not only the southern zone but also areas in the transition zone where bermudagrass is used. Rio germinates quickly and was the #1 NTEP rated variety in establishment. Rio has excellent turf quality and good wear tolerance. Rio is dark green and fine-bladed creating a very dense turf. Rio is drought and heat tolerant and can be used in a number of different applications.
Plant Characteristics
Taxonomy
Zone
- Regional Growing Zone
- 1 - Northwest Coastal, 2 - California Coastal, 3 - Southern Mountain, 4 - Mountain, 5 - Midwest, 6 - Northeast Lakes, 7 - Great Lakes South, 8 - Appalacia, 9 - Southeast, 10 - South Florida, 11 - South Texas, 12 - Southwest
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zones
- 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
- Temperature Zone
- Warm, Transitional
Plant Characteristics
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Growing Cycle
- Perennial
- Growth Habit
- Rhizomatous
- Sun Requirement
- Full Sun
Plant Information
- Planting Season
- Spring - Summer
- Plant Depth
- .125"
- Minimum Soil Temp for Germination
- 65° F
- Establishment
- Easy
Seed Information
- Seed Treatment
- Coated
- Seeds Per Pound
- 1,500,000
- Kingdom
- PLANTAE
- Subkingdom
- TRACHEOBIONTA
- Super Division
- SPERMATOPHYTA
- Division
- MAGNOLIOPHYTA
- Class
- LILIOPSIDA
- Subclass
- COMMELINIDAE
- Order
- CYPERALES
- Family
- POACEAE
- Genus
- CYNODON
- Species
- CYNODON DACTYLON
Coverage Area & Available Sizes
How to Use & Apply
ESTABLISHMENT: Rio should be planted in areas of full sunlight when soil temperatures reach a consistent 65 F (18 C) and are on the rise. Plant 2 to 3 pounds of 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 (6 mm) of soil. Maintain adequate soil moisture around seed using frequent but light irrigation for optimum germination. Seedlings should emerge in 10 to 14 days. As seedlings develop, decrease frequency of irrigation but increase the amount of water applied. As turf matures, follow recommended turf watering guidelines for your growing region.
MAINTENANCE Rio can be maintained at mowing heights from 0.4 inches (1.3 cm) to 1 inch (5 cm). Applying 3 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet (1.5 to 2.5 kg/100 square meters) per growing season is adequate. Do not remove over 1/3 of the leaf blade per mowing for healthy turf. More frequent mowing at shorter heights will result in a finer, more dense turf.
Applications
45-135 LBS PER ACRE
45-135 LBS PER ACRE
2-3 LBS PER 1000 FT SQ.
