What Is a Brassica Food Plot Mix?

A brassica food plot mix is a blend of cold-tolerant plants from the mustard family, including turnips, rape, kale, and radishes. These species are combined to provide nutritious, high-protein forage for deer from late summer through winter.

Unlike single-species food plots, a brassica blend staggers maturity rates and ensures food availability across multiple stages of the hunting season. Deer browse leafy tops early, then turn to bulbs and roots in the late season when natural forage is scarce.

Why Choose a Brassica Food Plot Mix for Deer Hunting

A deer-focused food plot mix is one of the most effective options for deer habitat management. Benefits include:

  • High protein levels (20–30%) that support body condition, antler growth, and post-rut recovery.
  • Energy-rich bulbs and roots for winter survival.
  • Cold tolerance, keeping deer on your property long after native vegetation has gone dormant.
  • Soil benefits, especially from forage radishes, which improve soil structure and reduce compaction.

For hunters, this translates into better deer nutrition, increased attraction during hunting season, and long-term herd health.

Best Species in a Brassica Food Plot Mix

A diverse food plot mix ensures year-round utility. Common components include:

Turnips in Brassica Food Plot Mixes

  • Produce both leafy forage and underground bulbs.
  • Mature in 60–70 days.
  • Highly palatable after frost when starches convert to sugars.

Rape (Canola/Forage Rape) in Brassica Blends

  • Fast-growing, high-protein leafy forage.
  • Matures in 45–60 days.
  • Provides reliable early attraction in fall.

Kale in Brassica Food Plot Mixes

  • Extremely cold-tolerant and stays green into winter.
  • Takes longer to mature (80–100 days).
  • Ideal for holding deer late in the season.

Forage Radishes in Deer Food Plots

  • Develop deep taproots that break soil compaction.
  • Mature quickly (30–45 days).
  • Improve soil health while adding palatable forage.

How to Plant

Ideal Planting Time for Brassica Food Plot Mixes

  • Late summer to early fall is best (August–early September in northern regions).
  • Early planting ensures enough growth before frost, maximizing biomass.
  • Avoid planting too late, or plants won’t develop fully before winter.

Soil Preparation for Brassica Food Plot Mixes

  • Requires well-drained soil with pH 6.0–7.5.
  • Brassicas are nitrogen-hungry — fertilize according to a soil test.
  • Prepare a smooth seedbed free of weeds.

Seeding Rates for Brassica Food Plot Mixes

  • Plant at 4–8 lbs per acre depending on seed purity and mix.
  • Broadcast or drill seed at ¼–½ inch depth.
  • Cultipack for proper seed-to-soil contact.

Managing Throughout the Season

Fertilization Strategies

  • Apply nitrogen fertilizer at planting to encourage leafy growth.
  • A second application in early fall maintains palatability and nutrition.

Protecting from Overgrazing

  • Heavy browsing can stunt growth.
  • Consider temporary fencing until plants are established.

Pest and Disease Considerations

  • Watch for flea beetles, aphids, and fungal leaf spots.
  • Rotate crops yearly to avoid disease buildup.

Late-Season Performance

One of the biggest advantages of a brassica food plot mix is late-season attraction.

  • Frost improves palatability by converting starches into sugars.
  • Kale and rape stay green even under snow cover.
  • Turnip bulbs provide underground forage that deer dig for in deep winter.

This makes brassicas one of the best choices for hunters targeting late-season bucks.

Comparing Food Plot Mixes on the Market

When choosing a food plot mix, evaluate:

  • Species diversity (leafy + root crops for multi-season forage).
  • Cold tolerance for your climate zone.
  • Seed quality and germination rates.
  • Coverage per bag (lbs per acre vs cost).
  • Real-world performance reviews from hunters in your region.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Cons:

  • Requires high fertility (especially nitrogen).
  • Can fail in poorly drained soils.
  • Vulnerable to overbrowsing if deer density is high.
  • Some species may bolt if planted too early.