If you’re a hunter, land manager, or wildlife enthusiast, you already know the value of a well-planned food plot.
Among the many forage options available, turnip seeds for deer have earned a reputation as one of the most effective and affordable choices. These fast-growing brassicas deliver high-protein foliage and carbohydrate-rich bulbs, providing both early-season attraction and late-season nutrition—exactly what deer need to stay healthy and close to your property.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about planting, maintaining, and maximizing your turnip food plots—from soil prep to frost-timed sweetness. We’ll also cover the best varieties, seeding rates, and common mistakes to avoid so you can see results this season.
Why Turnip Seeds for Deer Are a Game-Changer
Turnips aren’t just another food plot option—they’re a dual-purpose powerhouse:
- Two Forms of Forage: Deer can feed on lush green leaves in the fall and sweet, starchy bulbs during the late season.
- Nutrient-Rich Diet: Leaves average 15–20% crude protein, while bulbs are packed with digestible carbohydrates—critical for winter survival.
- Frost-Enhanced Palatability: After the first frost, natural starches convert to sugars, making turnip greens and roots irresistible to deer.
- High Yield: Well-managed plots can produce 6–8 tons of forage per acre.
- Soil Benefits: Deep taproots break up compacted soil, improve aeration, and recycle nutrients for future plantings.
Choosing the Best Turnip Varieties for Deer
Not all turnips are created equal. Some are designed for human consumption and don’t produce enough leafy forage for deer. For maximum attraction, choose forage-type turnips that grow abundant tops and palatable roots.
Recommended Varieties:
- Purple Top White Globe – Classic dual-purpose turnip with excellent leaf production and sweet bulbs.
- Seven Top Turnip – Grown mainly for leafy greens; ideal for early-season browse.
- Appin Forage Turnip – Fast-growing and highly palatable variety for both leaves and bulbs.
- Pasja Hybrid Brassica – A cross between turnip and rape; high leaf yield and frost tolerance.
Pro Tip: Deer forage blends that mix turnips with clover, chicory, or radishes can extend grazing periods and improve soil health.
Preparing the Perfect Soil
Turnips thrive in well-drained, fertile soils. Start with a soil test at least 60 days before planting. Aim for:
- pH: 6.0–6.8 (apply lime if necessary).
- Nutrients: Turnips are heavy feeders—apply 300 lbs/acre of 19-19-19 fertilizer before planting (or as recommended by your soil test).
- Drainage: Avoid waterlogged spots; choose areas with full sun exposure.
Step-by-Step Prep:
- Mow existing vegetation.
- Spray with a non-selective herbicide to eliminate competition.
- Till or disk the soil 4–6 inches deep for seedbed preparation.
- Level and firm the seedbed with a cultipacker.
When to Plant Turnip Seeds for Deer
Timing is crucial for maximum yield and palatability.
- Northern States (Zones 3–5): Plant from mid-July to early August.
- Midwestern States (Zones 5–6): Late July to mid-August.
- Southern States (Zones 7–9): Late August to early October.
- Rule of Thumb: Count back 70–90 days before your first expected frost.
This schedule allows plants to mature before frost hits, ensuring lush greens in early fall and sweetened bulbs in late season.
Seeding Rates & Planting Depth
For a healthy stand of turnips:
- Broadcasting: 10–12 lbs per acre.
- Drilling: 7–9 lbs per acre.
- Seed Depth: 1/8 to 1/4 inch—shallow planting is critical for good germination.
- Soil Contact: Always cultipack after broadcasting to ensure seeds are pressed into the soil.
Fertilization & Maintenance
- Nitrogen Boost: Apply 30–50 lbs/acre of nitrogen 30 days after germination to promote lush foliage.
- Weed Control: Turnips grow quickly and outcompete most weeds, but pre-plant weed elimination is essential.
- Moisture Needs: While drought-tolerant once established, turnips germinate best with adequate moisture.
How Deer Use Turnip Plots
- Early Season: Deer browse leafy tops for protein.
- Post-Frost: Sugar content spikes, and deer begin digging up bulbs.
- Winter: Bulbs provide energy during the harshest months when other food sources are scarce.
Mixing Turnips with Other Food Plot Crops
While turnip monocultures work well, mixing with other species can improve forage diversity and resilience.
Good Companion Plants:
- Clover (adds nitrogen, extends forage season)
- Radishes (deep taproots improve soil)
- Rye or oats (quick cover, erosion control)
When mixing, reduce turnip seeding rate by 25–50% to avoid overcrowding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting Too Deep: Turnip seeds are tiny; deep planting reduces germination rates.
- Ignoring Soil Tests: Poor fertility leads to stunted growth and low yield.
- Overcrowding: Too much seed results in small bulbs and reduced leaf mass.
- Late Planting: Miss the frost window and you’ll lose peak palatability.
Quick-Reference Planting Table
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| pH Range | 6.0–6.8 |
| Seeding Rate | 7–9 lbs (drill) / 10–12 lbs (broadcast) per acre |
| Planting Depth | 1/8–1/4 inch |
| Fertilizer (Pre-Plant) | 300 lbs 19-19-19 per acre |
| Nitrogen Boost | 30–50 lbs/acre, 30 days after planting |
| Days to Maturity | 70–90 |
| Planting Window (North) | Mid-July to Early Aug |
| Planting Window (South) | Late Aug to Early Oct |
Planting turnip seeds for deer is one of the most cost-effective ways to attract and hold deer on your property. They’re easy to grow, highly nutritious, and provide both early and late-season forage. With proper soil prep, timely planting, and variety selection, your turnip plot can become a deer magnet this hunting season.
Whether you’re after a trophy buck or simply want to improve your herd’s health, a well-managed turnip food plot should be a staple in your land management plan.