About Chufa
Chufa is the single most-recommended turkey food-plot crop by the National Wild Turkey Federation, producing oil-rich underground tubers that turkeys scratch up and eat from fall through winter. The plant resembles nutsedge and thrives in well-drained, sandy-loam soils in full sun. A single acre of chufa can hold flocks of turkeys through the season when other foods are scarce.
How much Chufa seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Chufa is 30–40 lbs per acre, dropping to about 25 lbs per acre when drilled. Plant the tubers (not seed) 2–3 inches deep; use the higher rate for a dense stand. NWTF commonly recommends ~30 lbs/ac drilled. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Chufa
Chufa is a warm-season crop. In the northern US, plant in May–mid Jun; farther south, plant in mid Apr–early Jun. Sow it 2.5" deep and plan on 90–110 days to tuber set.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6(don't go below ~5.5). 300–400 lbs/ac 13-13-13 at planting; sandy soils benefit from extra potassium. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Chufa blends well with grain sorghum, browntop millet if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Chufa FAQ
- How much Chufa seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Chufa at about 30–40 lbs per acre, or 25 lbs per acre if you drill it. Plant the tubers (not seed) 2–3 inches deep; use the higher rate for a dense stand. NWTF commonly recommends ~30 lbs/ac drilled.
- When should I plant Chufa?
- In the northern US plant in May–mid Jun; in the South plant in mid Apr–early Jun. Expect 90–110 days to tuber set.
- What soil pH does Chufa need?
- Chufa does best at a soil pH around 6 (minimum ~5.5). 300–400 lbs/ac 13-13-13 at planting; sandy soils benefit from extra potassium.
- Do deer like Chufa?
- Deer preference: low — a turkey crop (birds scratch up the tubers fall–winter); deer rarely use it.