About Brassica Blend (5-way)
A five-way brassica blend combining turnip, rape, kale, forage radish, and swede provides layered attractiveness through the entire fall and winter hunting season because each component has a different growth rate, structure, and frost-palatability threshold. Early in the season deer consume young leafy growth; after the first frosts they shift to turnip and radish tops; after repeated hard freezes they begin digging for roots and bulbs. The blend is substantially more resilient to hunting pressure and weather variation than any single brassica species planted alone.
How much Brassica Blend (5-way) seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Brassica Blend (5-way) is 6–8 lbs per acre, dropping to about 4.5 lbs per acre when drilled. Total blend 6–8 lb/ac broadcast; 4–5 lb/ac drilled. Typical composition: turnip + rape + kale + radish + swede in roughly equal proportions. Provides staggered palatability peaks through fall and winter as different components frost. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Brassica Blend (5-way)
Brassica Blend (5-way) is a cool-season crop. In the northern US, plant in Jul–early Aug; farther south, plant in Aug–Sep. Sow it 1/8" deep and plan on 60–90 before peak attractiveness.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.5(don't go below ~6). 300–400 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting; 60 lb/ac actual N and 1–2 lb/ac boron top-dress at 30–45 days. N is critical for root bulb development. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Brassica Blend (5-way) blends well with cereal rye, oats, winter wheat, Austrian winter peas, crimson clover if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Brassica Blend (5-way) FAQ
- How much Brassica Blend (5-way) seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Brassica Blend (5-way) at about 6–8 lbs per acre, or 4.5 lbs per acre if you drill it. Total blend 6–8 lb/ac broadcast; 4–5 lb/ac drilled. Typical composition: turnip + rape + kale + radish + swede in roughly equal proportions. Provides staggered palatability peaks through fall and winter as different components frost.
- When should I plant Brassica Blend (5-way)?
- In the northern US plant in Jul–early Aug; in the South plant in Aug–Sep. Expect 60–90 before peak attractiveness.
- What soil pH does Brassica Blend (5-way) need?
- Brassica Blend (5-way) does best at a soil pH around 6.5 (minimum ~6). 300–400 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting; 60 lb/ac actual N and 1–2 lb/ac boron top-dress at 30–45 days. N is critical for root bulb development.
- Do deer like Brassica Blend (5-way)?
- Deer preference: seasonal — increasing from establishment through first frosts; high to very high from November through January; excellent late-season draw.