Choosing the right brassica seed mix can maximize forage and deer activity across seasons. The following selections emphasize robust growth, quick establishment, and strong deer appeal. Use this guide to compare blends, planting styles, and seasonal performance to select the best seed for your land.
Summary of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Planting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brassica Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Annual Mix] | Hit List Seed | High forage yield; versatile for early and late season | Fall planting; no-till friendly |
| Winter-Greens Deer Food Plot Seed | Whitetail Institute | Very attractive to deer; highly nutritious late-season option | Fall planting; 3 lb bag |
| No Till Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Annual Mix] | Hit List Seed | No-till friendly; quick establishment | Throw-and-grow; 5 lb bag |
| Brassica Overload Deer Food Plot Seed Mix | TnT Seed Company | Five premium brassicas; strong seasonal appeal | Fall planting; multiple sizes |
| Elite 8 Fall Food Plot Seeds for Deer | Hit List Seed | Diverse mix including brassicas and legumes; broad appeal | Fall planting; 10 lb bag |
Brassica Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Annual Mix]
Perfect: Brassica blend of Purple Top Turnips, Daikon Radish, and Forage Brassica that can provide up to 3 tons of forage per acre. Beginners: Great food plot blend for seasoned veterans and beginners alike—germinates quickly and can be planted with minimal equipment. Also works great as a No Till blend. Versatile: Highly attractive to deer throughout hunting season. The leafy forage is attractive in early season, and the bulbs from turnips and radishes are excellent for late-season hunts. This annual mix is designed for quick establishment and broad-season appeal, making it a solid all-around choice for deer plots.
Brassica Food Plot Seeds for Deer – Annual Mix
Perfect: Brassica blend of Purple Top Turnips, Daikon Radish, and Forage Brassica that can provide up to 3 tons of forage per acre. Beginners: Quick germination with minimal equipment. Also works well as a No Till blend. Versatile: Appeals to deer across the season, with leafy forage early and bulbs for late-season feeding. This 1/2 acre to 1 acre option makes it a flexible choice for smaller plots seeking robust forage and reliable deer attraction.
Winter-Greens Deer Food Plot Seed
More attractive to deer than any other brassicas tested by Whitetail Institute, fortified with a small amount of tall tine turnip. Highly nutritious late-season food source. This blend emphasizes resilience in cold and drought conditions, helping you maintain productive forage into late fall and winter. Suitable for fall planting on moderate-sized plots, it provides a steady habitat for deer as temperatures drop, supporting extended feeding opportunities through the late season.
Brassica Overload Deer Food Plot Seed Mix
1 JUG (3 LBS.) equals 1/2 acre; Comes in a reusable container. Unique mix of superfoods including Ethiopian Cabbage, Forage Collards, Hybrid Forage Brassica, and Forage Turnip. Cold and warm season forages maximize all-season attraction, making this blend suitable for fluctuating weather and varied hunting calendars. The 5-premium brassicas are packaged to deliver rapid establishment and robust early-season forage, supporting deer activity across multiple seasons.
No Till Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Annual Mix]
Perfect: No-Till blend of Crimson Clover, Purple Top Turnips, Forage Brassica, Forage Oats, and Rye. Provides attractive nutrition that keeps deer returning. Beginners: Germinates quickly and can be planted with minimal equipment. Versatile: Highly attractive throughout hunting season, with leafy forage for early season and bulb-forming plants aiding late-season feeding. This option is ideal for plots where soil disturbance is limited or equipment access is restricted.
Elite 8 Fall Food Plot Seeds for Deer
Perfect: An eight-item blend including Purple Top Turnips, Forage Brassica, Daikon Radish, Crimson Clover, Forage Oats, Wheat, Rye, and Austrian Winter Peas. Provides rich nutrition that supports antler development and overall deer health. Protein: High-protein forage aids antler growth. Versatile: Attractive across hunting seasons, from early fall through following spring, delivering consistent forage and seasonal variety. This larger bag is well-suited for mid-to-large plots seeking diverse forage options.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Brassica Seed Purchases
- Plot size and planting method: Choose blends that match your plot size and whether you plan to till or use no-till methods. No-till options help if you have limited equipment or soil disruption concerns.
- Seasonal coverage: Look for mixes that offer early-season forage and late-season bulbs to maximize deer activity across hunting seasons.
- Deer nutrition and protein: Forage blends with high-protein components support deer health and antler development, especially for mature bucks.
- Drought and cold tolerance: In regions with extreme temperatures, select blends formulated for cold hardiness and drought resilience to maintain cover and forage.
- Soil compatibility and fertility: Consider blends that synergize with your soil type. Some mixes perform best with modest fertilization, while others are designed for minimal input.
- Establishment speed: If your season window is short, prioritize blends that germinate quickly and establish rapidly to attract deer sooner.
- Seed packaging and size: Match bag sizes to your plot acreage. Larger bags suit bigger plots, while smaller bags are practical for test plots or smaller properties.
- Maintenance needs: Some mixes require regular mowing or weed suppression, while others are designed to reduce maintenance through hardy and competitive growth.
- Where to plant: Brassicas thrive in well-drained soil with full sun. Consider drainage, soil amendments, and cover crop rotation to sustain long-term soil health.
- Seasonal rotation: To prevent deer pressure from creating overgrazed patches, rotate blends or alternate with other forage mixes across years.
Across these selections, the best brassica seed for deer depends on land size, planting flexibility, and seasonal hunting objectives. For quick establishment and broad-season appeal, blends labeled as annual or no-till mixes often deliver reliable results. If late-season nutrition is a priority in cold regions, Winter-Greens and other brassica-heavy blends can offer valuable forage when temperatures drop. For larger plots, premium mixes with multiple brassicas and cover crops can maximize deer activity across multiple seasons.
Note: This article references several Amazon listings to illustrate popular brassica seed options for deer plots. Actual performance can vary with soil conditions, weather, and plot management practices. Always follow package instructions for best results.