Best Clover and Chicory for Deer: Top Plantings for Bigger Bucks

Discover the best clover and chicory seed mixes designed to attract deer year-round. This guide reviews five top options that combine high-protein forage with drought and cold tolerance, helping hunters plan durable, productive food plots. Each pick blends clover with chicory to maximize palatability and antler-building nutrition while accommodating varying soil and climate conditions.

Product Brand Seed Type
Hale Habitat & Seed Clovers, Alfalfa, & Chicory Food Plot Seed Mix Hale Habitat & Seed Clover, Alfalfa, Chicory
Whitetail Institute FUSION Deer Food Plot Seed Whitetail Institute Clover, Chicory
HIT LIST SEED Chicory + Clover Seed Hit List Seed Ladino Red Clover, Chicory
BioLogic New Zealand Clover Plus Chicory Biologic Clover, Chicory
Whitetail Institute Chic Magnet Deer Food Plot Seed Whitetail Institute Chicory, Clovers

Introduction note: The following selections emphasize perennial or long-lasting blends that support deer attraction across seasons, while tolerating soil acidity, drought, and temperature swings. They balance protein content with resilience to help maintain productive food plots from spring through fall.

Hale Habitat & Seed Clovers, Alfalfa, & Chicory Food Plot Seed Mix

Hale Habitat & Seed Clovers, Alfalfa, & Chicory Seed Mix

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The Hale mix emphasizes a high-output seed blend crafted for maximum growth and deer attractant. It includes clover, alfalfa, and chicory, delivering a broad nutrient profile ideal for antler development. Each bag covers roughly half an acre, making it a practical choice for mid-sized plots. The seed is certified and designed to optimize germination and stand density, helping your plot mature into a dependable deer forage area across seasons.

Whitetail Institute FUSION Deer Food Plot Seed for Spring or Fall Planting

Whitetail Institute FUSION Deer Food Plot Seed

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The FUSION blend combines newest clovers with chicory to optimize deer attraction and protein delivery. Designed for spring or fall planting, it supports longevity with perennials that resist heat, cold, and drought. This product emphasizes high protein potential to aid antler growth, while maintaining a robust, resilient stand that remains attractive through multiple seasons.

HIT LIST SEED Chicory + Clover Seed (Perennial) 3 lbs

Hit List Seed Chicory + Clover Seed

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This perennial blend blends Ladino and Red Clover with chicory, offering a long-lasting forage solution. It highlights protein potential—supporting antler development—alongside cold tolerance and drought resilience. The mix is designed to be a reliable, repeatable option for regions with variable weather, helping maintain forage quality throughout the hunting season.

BioLogic New Zealand Clover Plus Chicory Perennial Seed

BioLogic New Zealand Clover Plus Chicory Seed

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Biologic’s New Zealand Clover Plus Chicory offers a drought-resistant perennial blend designed to attract deer and wild turkeys. The mix emphasizes durable regrowth over multiple years and supports antler development through a steady supply of forages. It’s suitable for less-than-ideal soils and offers a practical, long-term option for sustaining a productive deer plot with minimal maintenance.

Whitetail Institute Chic Magnet Deer Food Plot Seed

Whitetail Institute Chic Magnet Seed

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Chic Magnet combines chicory with multiple clover varieties to maximize palatability and protein availability. It’s designed to be highly attractive to deer while offering resistance to heat, cold, and drought. The WINA-100 chicory component is noted for tender leaves and enhanced seedling survivability, making this blend a strong candidate for consistent deer attraction across seasons.

Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations And Comparisons

  • Perennial vs. annual blends: Perennial mixtures reduce replanting needs but may take longer to establish. Consider your planting window and maintenance capacity.
  • Protein content and antler development: Higher protein blends support antler growth. Look for mixes marketed with protein percentages or strong forage components like chicory and red clover.
  • Soil and climate tolerance: Choose seeds that tolerate pH extremes, drought, cold, and heat. Drought-tolerant and cold-hardy varieties offer broader regional applicability.
  • Plot size and coverage: Assess cover per bag and expected area; some mixes claim half-acre coverage per bag, while others cover smaller or larger areas. Plan for fence lines, shade, and competing vegetation.
  • Seed quality and certification: Certified seed generally ensures purity and germination standards. This can influence establishment success and long-term yield.
  • Maintenance needs: Some blends require reseeding after several years, while others are designed for multi-year regrowth. Consider mowing, fertilization, and weed control needs.
  • Seasonal planting windows: Spring and fall plantings optimize germination. Some blends perform better when sown at specific temperatures or with soil preparation.
  • Local rules and wildlife considerations: Check local regulations and consider the impact on other wildlife species and habitat management goals.

In choosing a clover and chicory mix for deer, balance immediate attractant potential with long-term plot sustainability. The five products reviewed here offer a mix of perennial durability, protein-rich forage, and tolerance to challenging growing conditions. For a well-rounded approach, consider combining a high-protein chicory-forward blend with clover-rich options to create a resilient, year-round food source that supports deer health and antler growth across seasons.