What can I plant for deer in California?

California sits in the southern planting region (USDA zones 5–10). For fall and winter, plant cool-season crops like oats, winter wheat, cereal rye; for spring and summer, warm-season crops like soybeans (forage type), cowpeas / iron-clay peas, lablab. California's many climates favor cool-season clover and grains through the wet winter; summer plots need irrigation in the long dry months.

When should I plant a fall food plot in California?

In California, plant fall food plots late September through October (cereal grains can go later still). This gives cool-season grains, brassicas, and clover time to establish before cold weather and the hunting season.

When can I plant a spring or summer food plot in California?

Plant warm-season California plots April through June (earlier in the Deep South). Soybeans, cowpeas, and other summer crops need warm soil to germinate well.

What's the best food plot for California?

The most reliable California plot is a cool-season blend — a cereal grain (oats or wheat) plus a brassica and a clover. Soybeans (forage type) and other warm-season crops make strong summer plots on larger ground.

What USDA hardiness zone is California?

Most of California falls within USDA hardiness zones 5–10. Zones vary with elevation, so check your local zone for the most precise planting dates.

State planting guide

CaliforniaFood Plots: What to Plant & When

California's many climates favor cool-season clover and grains through the wet winter; summer plots need irrigation in the long dry months.

Planting region: Southern (mild-winter)
USDA zones: 5–10
Fall plots: Late Sep–Oct
Spring plots: Apr–Jun

SourcedRates cross-checked against the National Deer Association, UT & NC State Extension, and the MSU Deer Lab.Reviewed May 2026Methodology

Cool season

Best fall & winter food plots in California

Plant late September through October (cereal grains can go later still). Tap any crop for its California seeding rate, bag count, and lime estimate.

OatsSep–Oct Winter WheatSep–Oct Cereal RyeSep–Oct Crimson CloverSep–Oct Ladino White CloverSep–Oct ChicorySep–Oct Austrian Winter PeasSep–Oct Brassica Blend (5-way)Aug–Sep Purple-Top TurnipAug–Sep Red CloverSep–Nov

California food plot planting dates

Crop	When to plant (CA)	Rate (broadcast)
Oats	Sep–Oct	120–150 lbs/ac
Winter Wheat	Sep–Oct	90–120 lbs/ac
Cereal Rye	Sep–Oct	120–150 lbs/ac
Crimson Clover	Sep–Oct	20–25 lbs/ac
Ladino White Clover	Sep–Oct	4–6 lbs/ac

Warm season

Best spring & summer plots in California

Plant April through June (earlier in the Deep South) for summer forage and fall draw.

Soybeans (forage type)Apr–Jun Cowpeas / Iron-Clay PeasApr–Jul LablabApr–Jun (can extend into Jul if moisture is adequate)Grain Sorghum / MiloApr–Jun Corn (field corn)Apr–May Sunn HempApr–Jul SunflowersApr–May BuckwheatApr–Sep

Soil & lime in California

Whatever you plant, a soil test comes first. Most untouched Californiaground is too acidic for food plots, which locks up fertilizer and stunts growth. Lime to about pH 6.5, then fertilize to the crop's needs. Estimate your lime and read the soil test guide.

California food plot FAQ

What can I plant for deer in California?: California sits in the southern planting region (USDA zones 5–10). For fall and winter, plant cool-season crops like oats, winter wheat, cereal rye; for spring and summer, warm-season crops like soybeans (forage type), cowpeas / iron-clay peas, lablab. California's many climates favor cool-season clover and grains through the wet winter; summer plots need irrigation in the long dry months.
When should I plant a fall food plot in California?: In California, plant fall food plots late September through October (cereal grains can go later still). This gives cool-season grains, brassicas, and clover time to establish before cold weather and the hunting season.
When can I plant a spring or summer food plot in California?: Plant warm-season California plots April through June (earlier in the Deep South). Soybeans, cowpeas, and other summer crops need warm soil to germinate well.
What's the best food plot for California?: The most reliable California plot is a cool-season blend — a cereal grain (oats or wheat) plus a brassica and a clover. Soybeans (forage type) and other warm-season crops make strong summer plots on larger ground.
What USDA hardiness zone is California?: Most of California falls within USDA hardiness zones 5–10. Zones vary with elevation, so check your local zone for the most precise planting dates.

Where to buy seed for a California plot

Stock up online: Oats and Winter Wheat seed, a broadcast spreader, and pelletized lime.

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Size your plot

Pick any crop above, or use the food plot calculator to get exact seed, bags, and lime for your California acreage.

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