About Forage Brassicas (generic blend)
Forage brassica blends typically combine rape, kale, turnips, and/or radish into a single planting that provides successive attractions through the hunting season — leafy tops are available first, followed by swelling bulbs and roots after frost. Palatability increases dramatically after two or three hard frosts convert stored starches to sugars, making late-season brassica plots among the most powerful deer attractants available. Seeding rates must be followed carefully because small seeds are easy to over-apply, which leads to crowding and stand failure.
How much Forage Brassicas (generic blend) seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Forage Brassicas (generic blend) is 6–10 lbs per acre, dropping to about 5 lbs per acre when drilled. Pure brassica blend: 6–8 lb/ac broadcast; 4–5 lb/ac drilled. In a grain-brassica mix, reduce brassica component to 2–3 lb/ac to prevent brassicas from choking grains. Over-seeding is the most common mistake. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Forage Brassicas (generic blend)
Forage Brassicas (generic blend) is a cool-season crop. In the northern US, plant in Jul–Aug; farther south, plant in Aug–Sep. Sow it 1/8" deep and plan on 60–90 before frost palatability peaks.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.5(don't go below ~6). 300 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting. Add 60 lb/ac actual N and 1–2 lb/ac boron. Brassicas require nitrogen for bulb and leaf development. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Forage Brassicas (generic blend) blends well with cereal rye, winter wheat, oats, Austrian winter peas, forage radish, turnips if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Forage Brassicas (generic blend) FAQ
- How much Forage Brassicas (generic blend) seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Forage Brassicas (generic blend) at about 6–10 lbs per acre, or 5 lbs per acre if you drill it. Pure brassica blend: 6–8 lb/ac broadcast; 4–5 lb/ac drilled. In a grain-brassica mix, reduce brassica component to 2–3 lb/ac to prevent brassicas from choking grains. Over-seeding is the most common mistake.
- When should I plant Forage Brassicas (generic blend)?
- In the northern US plant in Jul–Aug; in the South plant in Aug–Sep. Expect 60–90 before frost palatability peaks.
- What soil pH does Forage Brassicas (generic blend) need?
- Forage Brassicas (generic blend) does best at a soil pH around 6.5 (minimum ~6). 300 lb/ac 19-19-19 at planting. Add 60 lb/ac actual N and 1–2 lb/ac boron. Brassicas require nitrogen for bulb and leaf development.
- Do deer like Forage Brassicas (generic blend)?
- Deer preference: seasonal — low to medium before frost; high to very high after 2–3 hard frosts convert starches to sugars.