Quick answer
Henbit and chickweed sprout in fall, grow over winter while Bermuda is dormant, and flower in early spring. Prevention in early fall is far easier than treatment in March.
Why They Show Up
These are cool-season annuals. Dormant Bermuda leaves open space, and the weeds fill it from seed dropped the previous spring.
Timing Is Everything
- Early fall: apply a pre-emergent labeled for winter annuals
- Winter: spot-treat on mild days with a selective herbicide
- Spring: they die off on their own as it heats up, but not before dropping seed
Avoid These Mistakes
Don't use a pre-emergent if you plan to overseed in fall, since it will block grass seed too.