UC Riverside has partnered with a Riverside-based sod company to introduce a new drought-resistant bermuda grass called Coachella. The grass was developed by UC Riverside’s Jim Baird, offering improved winter color retention, exemplary drought resistance, and high-quality characteristics. The university’s Office of Technology Partnerships and West Coast Turf plan to target golf courses and sports stadiums initially.
This is the first bermuda grass to come from UC Riverside’s turfgrass breeding program, which was revived in 2012. Coachella offers 40% less water usage compared to tall fescue, the most common lawn grass in California, and additional water savings compared to other bermuda grass cultivars.
The grass will be available for purchase as sod or sprigs starting early 2026. For every square foot of sod or bushel of sprigs sold, UCR will receive a royalty based on sales. This innovative new grass provides a sustainable and water-efficient option for maintaining green landscapes year-round, catering to the needs of homeowners and commercial clients alike.
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