Imagine a field of tall, golden stalks swaying in the breeze, a magnet for the majestic deer that roam your land. What if you could create that very scene, not just for beauty, but to truly benefit your local wildlife? For many hunters and land managers, attracting and sustaining healthy deer populations is a top priority. But when it comes to planting food plots, the choices can feel overwhelming. You want something that works, something that deer love, and something that’s not too difficult to grow.
Choosing the right sorghum for your deer herd can be tricky. You might wonder which varieties are best, how to plant them successfully, and what kind of results you can expect. The good news is, you’re not alone in this quest! This post is here to clear up the confusion and give you the knowledge you need to make sorghum a powerful tool in your wildlife management strategy. By the end of this article, you’ll have a much clearer picture of why sorghum is a fantastic choice and how to make it thrive.
Top Sorghum For Deer Recommendations
![Hit List Seed® Grain Sorghum Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Annual Mix] - Deer Food Plot Seed - Sorghum Seeds for Planting - Deer Plot Seed Mix - 100% Grain Sorghum - Summer & Spring Planting - 5 lbs](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51s8K5DdkZL._SL160_._SL160_.jpg)
- Drought & Heat Resistant: Great for those in hot climates and little to no watering ability!
- Annual Warm Season Grass: This is a great food source for deer and upland birds, and the deer normally do not eat Grain Sorghum in it’s early stages!
- Deer Bedding & Upland Birds: Grain Sorghum is a great food source for deer and upland birds, and a great source for bedding and cover for deer during the Fall
- Late Fall & Winter Food Source: Since deer do not normally eat Grain Sorghum in it’s early stages, it makes a great late fall & winter food source for both deer and upland birds!
- Beginners & Veterans: Great food plot seed for seasoned veterans and beginners alike - this germinates quickly can be planted with minimal equipment.
- Dual Hybrid Advantage: Early and late-maturing varieties for longer-lasting food plot attraction.
- Excellent Yield Potential: High grain production for wildlife.
- Highly Palatable Grain: Deer love the taste.
- Drought & Disease Resistant: Thrives in challenging conditions.
- Extended Feeding Window: Keeps deer coming back longer.
- Excellent Standing Cover: Grows into a tall, dense screening cover that makes deer feel secure while providing an outstanding food source for game birds and small game.
- Red & White Sorghum Mix: Combines premium red and white grain sorghum varieties to supply high-energy seeds that attract wild turkeys, pheasants, quail, and deer.
- Drought & Heat Tolerant: Sorghum is extremely durable and thrives in dry, hot summer conditions where clover and brassica plots might struggle or fail.
- High-Protein Fall Feed: Provides high-energy grains during the critical fall and winter months, helping wildlife build fat reserves for winter survival.
- Niches Land Management: Plants up to ½ acre (22,000 sq ft) per 3lb bag. Ideal for creating travel corridors, bedding edges, and upland bird hunting zones.
- Quality Seed Value: Delivers more quality seed for your money with certified seed for maximum growth and attractant
- Certified Hybrid Seed: Certified seed ensures maximum growth potential and superior attractant properties for wildlife
- Coverage Area: 1 bag (50 lbs) will seed approximately 5 acres
- Annual Warm Season Grass: Grain sorghum is an annual warm season grass that thrives in summer planting conditions
- Late Season Food Source: Provides late fall and winter food source for upland game birds and whitetail deer while offering cover and habitat
- 1 JUG (3.25 LBS.) = 1/4 ACRE (11,000 Sq. Ft.) - Comes in a handy reuseable container
- INEXPENSIVE PLOT MIX DESIGNED TO CREATE CONCEALMENT - Protect access to and from your tree stand or plot to not spook your deer or turkey
- TWO SPECIAL VARIETIES OF SORGHUM AND EGYPTIAN WHEAT - Can grow extremely fast and offer the perfect concealment
- DESIGNED TO GROW TALL AND WITHSTAND CONDITIONS - Includes a variety of sorghum that offers the backbone to help Incognito withstand wind, rain and snow
- CAN GROW 7-10 FEET TALL IN 60-80 DAYS - Easy to establish, requires very little fertilizer and extremely fast growing
- Pure Kentucky Sorghum
- Real Sorghum
- No Additives
- Made in Kentucky
- Not A Blend
- EASY TO GROW: Wild Game Food plot sorghum (or WGF), or milo, is an early-maturing Sorghum seed, reaching mid bloom at about 40 to 50 days after emergence. WGF Sorghum is great for spring and summer food plots for deer and game birds. WGF Sorghum is bird-resistant, which keeps migrating flocks of blackbirds from stripping it in late Summer.
- ALL NATURAL: 100% Open Pollinated, 100% Non-GMO, 100% Non-Hybrid, 100% Heirloom
- CZ GRAIN GUARANTEE: As with all our products, we guarantee your success! Reach out with questions or concerns for a simple and fast solution.
- Healthy gluten free snack
- Great on biscuit, pancakes and waffles
- Equal substitute for honey when cooking
- Sorghum contains nutrients such as iron, calcium and potassium
- Great for marinating
The Best Sorghum for Your Deer Herd: A Hunter’s Guide
Want to attract more deer to your hunting land or simply provide them with a nutritious food source? Sorghum can be a fantastic choice! This hardy grain offers many benefits for whitetails. This guide will help you pick the best sorghum for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Seed Type
When you buy sorghum, you’ll often see different types. Look for **grain sorghum** or **forage sorghum**. Grain sorghum produces a lot of seeds, which deer love to eat. Forage sorghum grows tall and leafy, offering good cover and nutrition.
Drought Tolerance
Deer food plots often grow in areas that don’t get a lot of rain. Sorghum is naturally good at handling dry weather. Look for varieties that are known for their **drought tolerance**. This means your plants will likely survive even if you have a dry spell.
Disease Resistance
Some sorghum plants can get sick. You want to pick seeds that are **resistant to common diseases**. This helps your crop grow strong and healthy all season long.
Important Materials
Sorghum seeds are the main material. The quality of these seeds matters a lot. Good seeds are plump and free from damage or mold. You’ll also want to consider the **packaging**. It should keep the seeds dry and safe until you’re ready to plant them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Seed Purity
The best sorghum has a **high purity rate**. This means you get mostly sorghum seeds and fewer weed seeds or other unwanted stuff. Pure seeds give you a better chance for a strong crop.
Seed Viability
Viability refers to how well the seeds can sprout and grow. **High viability seeds** will give you a thicker stand of plants. Check for information on the seed bag about germination rates. Lower quality seeds might not sprout well, leaving gaps in your food plot.
Storage Conditions
How the seeds were stored before you bought them also matters. Seeds stored in **cool, dry places** will be better quality. If seeds were kept in hot or damp conditions, they might not sprout well.
User Experience and Use Cases
Easy to Grow
Many hunters choose sorghum because it’s **easy to grow**. It doesn’t need fancy soil. You can plant it in many different places. This makes it a great choice for beginners or for large areas.
Attracts Deer
Deer really enjoy eating sorghum. The grain heads are full of tasty seeds. The leafy parts also provide good food. Planting sorghum can help **draw deer to your property** and keep them there.
Provides Cover
Forage sorghum varieties grow very tall. This creates excellent **cover** for deer. They feel safe and hidden when they are in tall sorghum fields. This can also make them feel more comfortable coming out into the open.
Nutritional Value
Sorghum is **nutritious** for deer. It gives them energy and helps them stay healthy. This is especially important during tough times like winter or when does are pregnant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best time to plant sorghum for deer?
A: You should plant sorghum after the last frost in your area. Late spring to early summer is usually the best time.
Q: How much sorghum seed do I need?
A: The amount depends on the size of the area you want to plant. Follow the planting rate recommendations on the seed bag.
Q: Can I plant sorghum with other food plot seeds?
A: Yes, you can! Sorghum often grows well with other plants like soybeans or clover.
Q: Does sorghum need a lot of water?
A: Sorghum is very drought tolerant. It needs less water than many other crops.
Q: How tall does sorghum grow?
A: Sorghum can grow quite tall, often reaching 4 to 8 feet or even more, depending on the variety.
Q: Will deer eat the leaves or just the seeds?
A: Deer eat both the leaves and the seeds of sorghum. The leaves provide good forage, and the seed heads are a favorite treat.
Q: How long does it take for sorghum to grow?
A: Sorghum typically matures in about 90 to 120 days, so it will be ready for deer to browse by late summer or fall.
Q: What kind of soil does sorghum need?
A: Sorghum is not picky about soil. It can grow in a variety of soil types, even poorer ones.
Q: Is sorghum good for attracting bucks?
A: Yes, sorghum is great for attracting all deer, including bucks. The food and cover it provides make your land very appealing.
Q: Where can I buy good quality sorghum seeds?
A: You can find sorghum seeds at farm supply stores, feed stores, and online retailers that specialize in wildlife seed.