If you want a green, healthy lawn, picking the best Scotts fertilizer for Bermuda grass is a big step. Bermuda grass is strong and grows fast in warm weather. It is common in many parts of the United States, especially in the South and Southwest. To keep it looking great, it needs the right food — and that’s where Scotts fertilizers come in.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best Scotts fertilizer for Bermuda grass by checking things like how well it works, how much it costs, how long it lasts, what people say about it, and which brand is best. We’ll use simple words so everyone can understand — even kids!
Bermuda grass loves sunshine and heat. But even strong grass needs food to grow well. Fertilizer gives grass important nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These help the grass grow roots, make green leaves, and fight weeds and pests.
Without good fertilizer, your lawn might turn yellow, grow slowly, or get patchy. That’s why using the best Scotts fertilizer for Bermuda grass can make a big difference.
Scotts makes several fertilizers. Not all are perfect for Bermuda grass. Here are the top 3 that work best:
1. Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food
- Best for: Warm-season grasses like Bermuda
- NPK Ratio: 24-2-12 (High nitrogen)
- When to Use: Spring through early fall
- How Often: Every 6–8 weeks
This is one of the most popular choices for Bermuda grass. It has a lot of nitrogen, which helps the grass grow thick and green. It works fast — you can see results in 1–2 weeks.
Pros: – Makes grass green quickly – Feeds for up to 8 weeks – Safe for pets and kids after watering in – Works well in hot climates
Cons: – Not for cool-season grasses – Can burn grass if used too much
This is a top pick if you live in Texas, Florida, Georgia, or other hot states.
- Best for: Early spring use
- NPK Ratio: 22-2-14
- Extra Feature: Stops crabgrass before it grows
- When to Use: Early spring (before soil hits 55°F)
This one does two jobs: feeds your Bermuda grass AND stops weeds like crabgrass. It’s great for starting your lawn care season strong.
Pros: – Feeds grass and prevents weeds – Easy to spread with a Scotts spreader – Long-lasting (up to 3 months)
Cons: – Should not be used when planting new grass seed – Only for pre-emergent weed control
Use this in March or April, before summer heat starts.
- Best for: Late summer to fall
- NPK Ratio: 24-2-14
- When to Use: 6–8 weeks before first frost
- Goal: Build strong roots for winter
Even though Bermuda grass goes dormant in winter, it still needs food in the fall. This fertilizer helps roots stay strong so the grass comes back green in spring.
Pros: – Builds deep roots – Helps grass survive cold and drought – Safe for all warm-season grasses
Cons: – Not for spring or summer use – Must be used at the right time
Use this in September or October.
Now that you know the top options, here’s how to pick the best one for your lawn.
1. Check the Season
- Spring to Summer: Use Southern Lawn Food or Halts Crabgrass Preventer
- Fall: Use WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food
- Winter: No fertilizer needed (Bermuda grass sleeps)
Using the right fertilizer at the right time is key.
2. Look at the NPK Number
The NPK number tells you how much nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is in the bag.
For Bermuda grass:
- Nitrogen (N): Should be high (20+). This makes grass green.
- Phosphorus (P): Low is fine unless you’re starting a new lawn.
- Potassium (K): Medium to high. Helps roots and stress resistance.
So, look for numbers like 24-2-12 or 22-2-14.
3. Think About Weeds
If you have a lot of weeds, choose a fertilizer that also stops them. Scotts Halts is great for stopping crabgrass before it starts.
But remember: it won’t kill weeds that are already growing. For that, you need a weed killer.
4. Check How Long It Lasts
Some fertilizers feed your lawn for 4 weeks. Others last 8 weeks or more.
Longer-lasting = fewer applications = less work.
Most Scotts fertilizers last 6–8 weeks, which is great.
Users say Scotts fertilizers work fast. Many see greener grass in 5–10 days. The grass grows thicker and fills in bare spots.
Scotts uses a special coating on its fertilizer grains. This helps the nutrients release slowly, so the grass gets food over time — not all at once.
This is called controlled-release technology. It helps prevent burning and keeps grass fed longer.
Let’s talk money.
A 15-pound bag of Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food costs about $25–$30. It covers up to 5,000 square feet.
Compared to other brands, Scotts is mid-priced — not the cheapest, but not the most expensive.
But because it works well and lasts long, most people think it’s a good value.
You don’t need to buy cheap fertilizer that doesn’t work. Scotts gives you results that last.
Scotts fertilizers are solid and dry. If you store them in a cool, dry place, they can last up to 3 years.
Just keep the bag sealed and off the floor. Don’t let it get wet.
The granules won’t go bad quickly, so you can buy a bag and use it over multiple seasons.
Scotts is one of the most trusted lawn brands in North America. The company has been around for over 150 years.
Millions of homeowners use Scotts products every year. Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart sell them.
Scotts also gives free lawn tips and a lawn calendar to help you know when to fertilize, mow, and water.
You can trust Scotts to make safe, tested products for your yard.
We looked at real user reviews from Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
Here’s what most people say:
✅ “My Bermuda grass turned green in one week!”
✅ “Easy to spread, no clumps.”
✅ “Stopped weeds and fed my lawn — great combo.”
✅ “Lasts a long time. I only fertilize 3 times a year.”
Some complaints:
❌ “Burned my grass when I used too much.”
❌ “Not good for shady lawns.”
So, most users are happy — as long as they follow the instructions.
Tip: Always water your lawn after applying fertilizer. This helps it work and stops burns.
Here’s how to pick the best Scotts fertilizer for Bermuda grass based on your needs:
🏡 You Want a Green Lawn Fast
→ Use Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food
🌿 You Have Weed Problems
→ Use Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer with Lawn Food (early spring)
❄️ You Want Strong Roots for Winter
→ Use Scotts WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food (late summer/fall)
🛠️ You’re Starting a New Lawn
→ Use a starter fertilizer with more phosphorus (not covered here, but Scotts makes one)
- Mow your lawn (but don’t bag the clippings).
- Use a broadcast or drop spreader for even coverage.
- Follow the settings on the bag for your spreader.
- Apply fertilizer in one direction, then cross over in the other.
- Water your lawn right after (unless it’s a weed preventer — wait 24 hours).
- Wait 6–8 weeks before the next application.
Do not apply in extreme heat or on dry, stressed grass.
- Always read the label before using any fertilizer.
- Don’t over-fertilize — it can hurt your grass.
- Water your lawn regularly, but not too much.
- Mow high (2–3 inches) to help Bermuda grass stay healthy.
- Use the Scotts Lawn Calendar (free online) to plan your care.
After checking performance, price, durability, brand trust, and user reviews, here’s the answer:
👉 For most people, the best Scotts fertilizer for Bermuda grass is Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food.
It has high nitrogen, works fast, lasts 6–8 weeks, and is made for warm-season grasses like Bermuda.
If you want to stop weeds, go with Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer in early spring.
And don’t forget Scotts WinterGuard in the fall to prepare for next year.
With the right Scotts fertilizer and a little care, your Bermuda grass can be the greenest, thickest lawn on the block!
- Scotts Official Website – https://www.scotts.com
- University of Georgia Extension – Bermuda Grass Lawn Care – https://extension.uga.edu
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Warm-Season Grasses – https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu
- Home Depot Product Reviews – Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food – https://www.homedepot.com
- Lowe’s Product Reviews – Scotts Halts – https://www.lowes.com
