Whitetail deer hunters and land managers across Canada are increasingly turning to brassica food plots to attract, nourish, and hold deer on their properties.

A well-planned brassica mix not only draws deer during the hunting season but also provides critical late-season nutrition when natural forage is scarce.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about brassicas for deer—covering nutrition, planting, soil preparation, proven blends, and strategies to maximize long-term success.

Why Choose a Brassica Mix for Deer?

Brassicas (including turnips, kale, radishes, and rape) are among the most effective plants for creating highly attractive food plots. Here’s why a brassica mix stands out:

  • High Protein Content: Many brassicas deliver 25–35% crude protein, essential for antler growth, lactation, and post-rut recovery.
  • Frost-Sweetened Appeal: After the first frost, starches convert to sugars, making brassica leaves and roots even more palatable to deer.
  • Massive Yield: A single acre of a brassica mix can produce 10–15 tons of forage—far more than cereal grains.
  • Soil Benefits: Taproots improve soil structure, reduce compaction, and suppress weeds.

These qualities make brassicas the perfect choice for late-season deer food plots in northern climates.

Best Brassica Mix Varieties for Canadian Hunters

Not all brassicas are created equal. Successful food plots often combine several species for staggered growth and season-long appeal.

Common Ingredients in a Brassica Mix

  • Turnips: High-yielding roots and greens; deer often target the bulbs late in winter.
  • Forage Kale: Extremely cold-hardy, providing forage well into snowy months.
  • Rape (Canola): Fast-growing, leafy brassica that withstands drought and frost.
  • Daikon Radish: Breaks up hard soils and provides large, sweet roots.
  • Premium-Mix Brassica Blend: Combines rape, kale, and turnips; stays green under snow and produces heavy forage.
  • Big-N-Beasty: Includes kale, radish, rape; ideal for late planting.
  • Buckshot Brassicas: Mixture of turnips, radish, kale, and rape for maximum attraction.

Tip: Consider planting a commercial brassica mix designed for your climate zone, ensuring optimal germination and growth.

When to Plant a Brassica Mix in Canada

Timing is critical to ensure maximum yield and attraction:

  • Northern Canada: Mid-July to early August
  • Southern Ontario & Prairie Regions: Late July through August
  • Southern Canada (warmer zones): Early September

Planting too early can result in over-mature forage; planting too late risks poor growth before frost. A brassica mix should generally be sown 4–7 weeks before the first hard frost.

Soil Preparation for a Successful Brassica Mix

Step 1: Test and Adjust Soil

  • Target pH: 6.2–7.0
  • Apply lime if acidic and add balanced fertilizer (nitrogen-heavy for brassicas).

Step 2: Seedbed Prep

  • Till soil 4–6 inches deep.
  • Rake smooth for even seed coverage.
  • Firm the soil before and after seeding to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Step 3: Seeding Rates

  • Brassica mix seeding rate: 5–10 lbs/acre.
  • Broadcast evenly using hand spreaders, ATVs, or small seeders.

How to Maximize Deer Attraction with Brassica Mix Plots

Strategies for Higher Success

  • Acclimation: Deer may need time to recognize brassicas as food; once accustomed, usage increases annually.
  • Stagger Plantings: Plant different sections of your brassica mix at different times for steady availability.
  • Blend with Other Crops: Mix with clover, oats, or winter wheat for multi-season draw.

Managing Over-Browsing

If deer density is high, plots can be eaten down quickly. Protect young brassicas with temporary fencing or plant larger acreage.

Brassica Mix vs. Other Food Plot Options

While brassicas dominate late season, they pair well with other forage types:

  • Cereal Grains: Provide quick growth but lower yield compared to brassicas.
  • Legumes (Clover/Alfalfa): Excellent for spring and summer nutrition but may die back in frost.
  • Soybeans & Corn: Great for large fields, but require more land and input.

By combining brassicas with these species, hunters create a year-round food plot system.

Spotlight: Premium-Mix Brassica Blend

The Premium-Mix Brassica Blend is a proven option for Canadian hunters:

  • Cold & Drought Resistant: Stays green even after heavy snow.
  • Forage Volume: Produces heavy tonnage for late-season deer feeding.
  • Simple Planting: Easily sown with basic equipment—ATV, tractor, or even by hand rake.

It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, Canada-friendly food plot mix.