Facing the right brassica mix can boost deer forage and attractant throughout hunting seasons. The following five selections are selected for broad deer appeal, fast establishment, and adaptability to common plots. Each product is best for a different setup: seasoned plot managers, beginners, No-Till plans, shady spots, and fall/winter emphasis. Use the buying guide to compare features and choose the best fit for your land and schedule.
| Product | Brand | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hale Habitat & Seed Brassica Blend Food Plot Mix | Hale Habitat & Seed | Medium-to-large plots; strong fall attraction |
| Hit List Seed Brassica Food Plot Seeds – Annual Mix | Hit List Seed | Season-long attraction; quick germination |
| Big Tine Food Plot Mix, Main Event | Big Tine | Fast establishment; drought resistance |
| Hit List Seed No Till Food Plot Seeds – Annual Mix | Hit List Seed | No-till plots; easy for beginners |
| Shady Patch No-Till Food Plot Seed Mix | Pure Whitetail | Shaded or low-sun locations; year-round feed |
Hale Habitat & Seed Brassica Blend Food Plot Mix
The Hale Habitat & Seed Brassica Blend is designed for maximum growth and high deer attractant, with certified seed and a mix tailored to produce robust forage on approximately a half-acre per bag. It is best for established plots looking for a reliable fall attractant and can be a strong base for a larger management plan. Best for experienced plot managers who want a predictable, high-density forage source for deer across the season.
Why chosen: This blend emphasizes quality seed and an attractant-focused mix, helping land managers achieve observable forage quickly. Selection is suited for mid-sized properties seeking a cost-efficient half-acre solution.
Caution: Results depend on soil quality and moisture; drought or poor soil may reduce germination or growth. Consider soil testing and irrigation where feasible.
Hit List Seed Brassica Food Plot Seeds – Annual Mix
This annual mix blends Purple Top Turnips, Daikon Radish, and Forage Brassica to deliver up to three tons of forage per acre. It germinates quickly and supports no-till planting, making it versatile for lawn-to-plot conversions. It’s well suited for hunters who want rapid results and a straightforward setup, even for new plots.
Why chosen: The mix offers a broad, high-yield forage profile that remains attractive throughout hunting season, with No Till compatibility—great for beginners or those seeking simplicity.
Caution: High forage density can outpace soil fertility on poor plots; consider soil amendments to avoid nutrient bottlenecks. Monitor deer intake and adjust if browse is heavy on specific components.
Big Tine Food Plot Mix, Main Event
The Big Tine Main Event mix is designed for rapid establishment, strong early growth, and continued nutrition through fall and winter. It’s described as drought resistant and quick to establish, making it a strong choice for sites with variable moisture or shorter growing seasons. This mix is best for landowners prioritizing a quick-to-build plot with ongoing deer nutrition.
Why chosen: Its resilience to cold and drought, plus fast establishment, makes it a solid option for fall plots that need quick payoff and sustained late-season forage.
Caution: In exceptionally wet soils, high brassica density can lead to uneven growth; consider planting with proper spacing or mixing with other forages to balance density.
Hit List Seed No Till Food Plot Seeds – Annual Mix
This No Till annual mix combines Crimson Clover, Purple Top Turnips, Forage Brassica, Forage Oats, and Rye to deliver attractive nutrition with minimal soil disturbance. It’s ideal for beginners or plots where tilling isn’t practical. The blend remains appealing through hunting season and helps establish a perennial look with ongoing deer feeding opportunities.
Why chosen: No Till compatibility and a diverse forage profile make this mix easier to manage while delivering steady deer interest across seasons. It’s a practical option for small or new plots.
Caution: No till doesn’t mean no prep; ensure soil readiness and seed-to-soil contact to maximize germination. Readiness for future stand or plot maintenance may require planning.
Shady Patch No-Till Food Plot Seed Mix
Shady Patch blends No Till forage brassica, rye, clover, and rape seeds to create an all-season deer feeder in shady, low-sun locations. The mixture is optimized for reduced sunlight plots, helping deer feed consistently in difficult spots. It’s best for small, hidden patches that require low-maintenance seed beds.
Why chosen: It targets shady spots where deer frequent, providing a consistent forage source across seasons. It is a practical choice for limited sun exposure plots.
Caution: Shade tolerance varies by micro-site conditions; monitor germination and replant if density is uneven in persistently darker pockets.
Whitetail Hill Kill Plot Mix
Whitetail Hill Kill Plot Mix emphasizes brassicas, clovers, and chicory for small-plot setups. It’s designed for plots of about 1/3 acre to 3 acres and aims to offer a highly attractive mix across seasons. It’s a practical choice for landowners managing multiple small plots on slopes or hillsides.
Why chosen: The mix is tailored for compact plots, delivering a balanced forage spectrum that deer find irresistible across different season windows.
Caution: Small plots may require more careful weed control and reseeding to maintain density; monitor establishment and reapply as needed for sustained attraction.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when selecting a Brassica mix for deer?
- Plot size and layout: Choose a mix aligned with your half-acre to 1/2+ acre target, including No Till options for beginners.
- Sunlight and soil: Shady spots benefit from shade-tolerant blends; poor soil may require amendments to maximize germination.
- Season timing: Fall-forward blends support late-season deer activity; some mixes offer year-round forage for steady attraction.
- Germination speed: Quick germination is advantageous for late-season setups; some blends germinate within 7–14 days under good conditions.
- Maintenance: No Till and easy-plant mixes reduce labor; advanced plots may benefit from diverse components for continuous forage.
- Water and moisture: Drought resistance helps in dry seasons; ensure adequate moisture during germination for best results.
FAQ
- What is the best brassica mix for beginners?
– No Till annual or shade-tolerant blends are typically easiest, offering quick establishment with minimal prep. - Can these mixes be planted in fall for winter hunting?
– Yes, many are designed for fall-to-winter forage, delivering late-season nutrition when deer require it most. - Do these mixes require soil amendments?
– Soil health improves germination; consider soil tests and amendments for plots with poor fertility. - Are brassica-heavy plots safe for deer?
– Brassicas are generally a good forage source; balance with clover and other forages to prevent overdependence on a single component. - Which mix is best for shaded plots?
– Shade-tolerant No Till blends and multi-species mixes with clover often perform best in low-sun areas. - How long does it take to see forage growth?
– Many blends show germination within 7–14 days under proper conditions; full forage density may require several weeks.