MBS Seed, Ltd.
Denton, Texas
(940) 387-2701
(800) 627-2939
Click the Name for photos
Sorghums While deer will browse the young, tender growth and eat the grain, sorghums are most often used as a source of seed for all birds. They are widely adapted to most soil types. Can be planted anytime after the last frost through the summer, but have better results when planted from about April 15 through May.
Hybrid Grain Sorghum—Most often in red-seeded form. Typically grow about four feet tall. When planting for birds, use several different hybrids with different maturities so that seed will be produced continuously rather than all at once. 8-15 lbs/acre at 1-1½” deep.
White Game Milo—White-seeded grain sorghum. When the seed is in the soft-dough stage, it has a bitter taste due to tannins. Once it dries and gets hard, the bitter taste disappears. This keeps non-game birds from eating the seed until it is ripe. 8-15 lbs/acre at 1-1½” deep.
Hegari—A tall forage sorghum with large, white seed. 30-40 lbs/acre at 1-1½” deep.
Legumes Excellent summer browse for deer. Very palatable and high in protein and digestibility. Bird will eat the seed. Also excellent as soil-builders. Can be planted anytime after the last frost through the summer, but have better results when planted from about April 15 through May. Can also be planted in the late summer/early fall for fall attraction and nutrition, although they will die with the first frost.
Iron & Clay Cowpeas—One of the most popular items planted for deer. Good protein levels. 25-45 lbs/acre at ½-1” deep.
Black-Eyed Cowpeas—Also excellent for deer. 25-45 lbs/acre at ½-1” deep.
Mungbeans—A high forage producer; very early maturing. 25-45 lbs/acre at ½-1” deep.
Catjang Cowpeas—Late-maturing. Can have very high protein levels. 25-45 lbs/acre at ½-1”.
Laredo Soybeans—A forage-type soybean with small, black seed. Fair protein levels. 25-45 lbs/acre at ½-1”deep.
Lablab—Large-seeded, similar in appearance to cowpeas. Touted for its drought and heat tolerance. Protection during establishment recommended. 15-25 lbs/acre at 1-2” deep.
Millets These are an excellent addition to food plots for birds. They generally make seed in a relatively short period of time. Valuable for their ability to make a second seed crop with late summer rain showers. Deer will eat the young, tender growth. Can be planted anytime after the last frost through the summer, with adequate moisture.
Browntop Millet—Produces an abundance of seed in as little as 55-60 days. Excellent regrowth and seed production following periodic rainfall events. 10-20 lbs/acre at ¼-½” deep.
Dove Proso Millet—This shiny, golden-white seed is often found in bird feed mixes. Highly preferred by all birds. Matures in about 70 days. 15-25 lbs/acre at ¼-½” deep.
Foxtail Millet—Has fuzzy, foxtail-like seed head. Germinates very quickly, making it also good for erosion control. Matures in about 75 days. 10-20 lbs/acre at ¼-½” deep.
Japanese Millet—Similar in appearance to Browntop Millet. Excellent for waterfowl; will tolerate partial submersion in water. Plant around ponds in summer when the water level has dropped, so that it will be partially flooded when the water level rises. 10-20 lbs/acre at ¼-½”.
Hybrid Pearl Millet—Very tall millet with long, compact, cattail-like head. Seed is slightly larger and rounder than other millets, and has longer maturity. 15-25 lbs/acre at ½-¾” deep.
Sunflowers
Native Sunflower—One of the best for birds. 5-6 ft. tall. Very persistent; will come back every year. Plant in December to get spring germination. 10 lbs/acre at ¼-½” deep.
Small Black Sunflower (Black Oil or Peredovik-type)—Grows 4-5 ft. tall. 100-120 day maturity. Excellent for birds. Some areas may experience severe insect infestations; check with County Agent. 15-25 lbs/acre, ¾”.
Miscellaneous Items
Buckwheat—Vining, with triangular seed pods. 70-80 day maturity. 30-40 lbs/acre at ¼-½”.
Chufa—Sedge-like grass. Produces tubers, which are relished by turkey. 25-40 lbs/acre at 1½”.
Sesame—Shatters great quantities of oily seed over a long period; relished by birds. Matures in about 85 days. 10-12 lbs/acre at ½-¾” deep.
All planting rates are approximate and will vary depending on soil type, area of rainfall, intended use, and planting method. Seed planted in rows or with a drill may require a lower rate, while broadcasted seed may be higher.
Go to Food Plot Guide sections: Main, Food Plot Basics, Tips & Suggestions, Cool-Season Plant Descriptions