About Triticale
Triticale is a human-bred hybrid of wheat and rye that combines the palatability of wheat with the cold-hardiness and adaptability of rye, making it an underutilized but excellent food plot grain. It produces higher forage yields than rye in many trials, tolerates lower pH and poorer soils better than wheat, and deer prefer it similarly to wheat in direct comparisons. Triticale is an excellent substitute or addition when wheat winterkill is a concern, and it pairs naturally with Austrian winter peas or clovers.
How much Triticale seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Triticale is 100–150 lbs per acre, dropping to about 88 lbs per acre when drilled. 100–150 lb/ac broadcast; 75–100 lb/ac drilled. Triticale is a rye-wheat hybrid and may be substituted 1:1 for either parent in a blend. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Triticale
Triticale is a cool-season crop. In the northern US, plant in Aug–Sep; farther south, plant in Sep–Oct. Sow it 1.5" deep and plan on 10–21 to germination; usable forage in 45–60 days.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.2(don't go below ~5.8). 300 lb/ac 13-13-13 at planting; 50–100 lb/ac actual N top-dress after establishment. P and K per soil test. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Triticale blends well with Austrian winter peas, crimson clover, ladino clover, turnips, cereal rye if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Triticale FAQ
- How much Triticale seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Triticale at about 100–150 lbs per acre, or 88 lbs per acre if you drill it. 100–150 lb/ac broadcast; 75–100 lb/ac drilled. Triticale is a rye-wheat hybrid and may be substituted 1:1 for either parent in a blend.
- When should I plant Triticale?
- In the northern US plant in Aug–Sep; in the South plant in Sep–Oct. Expect 10–21 to germination; usable forage in 45–60 days.
- What soil pH does Triticale need?
- Triticale does best at a soil pH around 6.2 (minimum ~5.8). 300 lb/ac 13-13-13 at planting; 50–100 lb/ac actual N top-dress after establishment. P and K per soil test.
- Do deer like Triticale?
- Deer preference: high — palatability similar to wheat; more cold-tolerant and disease-resistant than wheat; slightly higher yield than rye.