About Sesame
Sesame (benne) produces oil-rich seeds that mourning doves find highly attractive, and it is a go-to crop for serious dove-field managers across the Gulf Coast and Southeast. It needs well-drained soil, full sun, and warm temperatures, but in the right conditions it can be one of the most dove-attractive plants per acre. Plant it in strips alongside browntop millet and sunflowers to maximize seed availability across the season.
How much Sesame seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Sesame is 3–5 lbs per acre, dropping to about 2.5 lbs per acre when drilled. Very small, expensive seed — don't plant deep; drilling at the low rate is preferred. NRCS SE guides list ~3–5 lbs/ac broadcast. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Sesame
Sesame is a warm-season crop. In the northern US, plant in Jun; farther south, plant in May–mid Jun. Sow it 1/8" deep and plan on 80–100 days.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.5(don't go below ~5.5). 60–80 lbs/ac actual N; low phosphorus need. Sensitive to waterlogged soils. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Sesame blends well with browntop millet, sunflowers, grain sorghum if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Sesame FAQ
- How much Sesame seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Sesame at about 3–5 lbs per acre, or 2.5 lbs per acre if you drill it. Very small, expensive seed — don't plant deep; drilling at the low rate is preferred. NRCS SE guides list ~3–5 lbs/ac broadcast.
- When should I plant Sesame?
- In the northern US plant in Jun; in the South plant in May–mid Jun. Expect 80–100 days.
- What soil pH does Sesame need?
- Sesame does best at a soil pH around 6.5 (minimum ~5.5). 60–80 lbs/ac actual N; low phosphorus need. Sensitive to waterlogged soils.
- Do deer like Sesame?
- Deer preference: low — a dove crop (high-oil seed); not used by deer.