Imagine a feast waiting for the deer on your land, year after year. It’s not just a dream; it’s the power of a perennial food plot. But choosing the right plants can feel like navigating a maze. You want something that thrives, something the deer love, and something that won’t have you replanting every season. The frustration of investing time and money into a plot that doesn’t deliver can be a real headache for any hunter or land manager.
That’s where understanding perennial food plots comes in. These are the long-term players, the reliable sources of nutrition that keep deer healthy and coming back. We know you want to give the deer on your property the best, and a well-planned perennial plot is a fantastic way to do it. This post will cut through the confusion and show you exactly what makes a perennial food plot a winner.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear roadmap to creating a food plot that works for you and for the deer. We’ll dive into the best perennial options, explain why they are so effective, and give you the confidence to plant a plot that will be a food source for seasons to come.
Our Top 5 Perennial Food Plot For Deer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Perennial Food Plot For Deer Detailed Reviews
1. HIT LIST SEED® Shade Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Annual & Perennial] – Deer Food Plot Seed Perennial – Deer Plot Seed Mix – Clover
![HIT LIST SEED® Shade Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Annual & Perennial] - Deer Food Plot Seed Perennial - Deer Plot Seed Mix - Clover, Forage Brassica & Ryegrass - Spring, Summer & Fall Planting - 3 lbs](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XkTHSOp5L._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 8.6/10
Want to attract deer to your hunting spot, even in shady areas? The HIT LIST SEED® Shade Food Plot Seeds for Deer is your answer! This amazing mix is designed to grow well where sunlight is limited. It’s packed with clover, forage brassica, and ryegrass. These plants are super healthy and deer can’t get enough of them. Whether you’re new to making food plots or have been doing it for years, this seed mix is easy to use. It sprouts fast, so you’ll see results quickly. You can plant it in spring or fall, and it works in every part of the country.
What We Like:
- It grows great in shady spots.
- The plants are very healthy and tasty for deer.
- It’s simple for anyone to plant, even beginners.
- It sprouts fast, so you don’t have to wait long.
- You can plant it in spring or fall.
- It comes back on its own year after year, plus you can replant it every year.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3 lb bag might not be enough for very large plots.
- We wish there were more variety options for different soil types.
This seed mix makes creating a successful food plot easy and rewarding. It’s a dependable way to bring more deer to your land.
2. HIT LIST SEED® Alfalfa + Clover Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Perennial] – Food Plot Seed Perennial – Deer Plot Seed Mix – Ladino/Red/Crimson Clover
![HIT LIST SEED® Alfalfa + Clover Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Perennial] - Food Plot Seed Perennial - Deer Plot Seed Mix - Ladino/Red/Crimson Clover, Alfalfa, Chicory - Spring & Fall Planting - 5 lbs](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+f3EX-mtL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 9.0/10
Looking to attract more deer and help them grow bigger and stronger? The HIT LIST SEED® Alfalfa + Clover Food Plot Seeds for Deer is a fantastic choice for any hunter or wildlife manager. This perennial mix is packed with high-protein ingredients that deer love, making your food plot a magnet for whitetails, blacktails, mule deer, and more. It’s designed to provide attractive nutrition that can help add mass to your bucks, giving you a better chance at a successful hunt.
What We Like:
- This blend is perfect for adding mass to bucks.
- It’s high in protein, which builds muscle in deer.
- The mix is very attractive to deer all hunting season long.
- You can plant it in spring or fall.
- It’s drought tolerant and grows in less-than-ideal soils.
- The seeds fix nitrogen, which is good for the soil.
- It’s a perennial blend, so it comes back year after year.
- It offers maximum nutrition for the deer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5 lb bag might be a lot for smaller plots.
- More detailed planting instructions for different soil types would be helpful.
This food plot seed mix is a smart investment for any serious hunter. It delivers consistent, high-quality forage that supports healthy deer populations and improves your hunting experience.
3. EVOLVED HARVEST Throw & Gro No-Till Forage for Deer – Easy-to-Plant Fast-Growing Food Plot Seeds
Rating: 8.5/10
Want to give your deer a delicious and nutritious meal? The EVOLVED HARVEST Throw & Gro No-Till Forage for Deer is here to help! This 5 lb bag is packed with a special mix of seeds that deer love. It’s designed to grow quickly and provide essential protein and minerals. You can create your own special feeding spot for deer without all the hard work of tilling.
What We Like:
- Super nutritious and tasty for deer, with a mix of ryegrass, clover, and brassica.
- It’s a “throw and grow” formula, meaning you don’t need to till the soil.
- Saves you time and effort because it’s so easy to plant.
- You can plant it in spring for summer growth or in fall to help deer through tough times.
- It grows fast, giving deer a quick food source.
- Perfect for creating your own private deer food plot in hard-to-reach spots.
What Could Be Improved:
- For best results on un-tilled ground, you’ll need to drag the plot to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
This seed mix makes it simple to boost your local deer herd’s health and happiness. It’s an easy way to create a valuable food source for them, no matter the season.
4. Whitetail Institute Extreme Deer Food Plot Seed
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking to create a fantastic deer food plot, even in tough spots? The Whitetail Institute Extreme Deer Food Plot Seed is your answer. This special blend is made to grow well in poor soil and dry conditions. It’s packed with nutrients that deer love and can keep growing for up to five years with just one planting. This means less work for you and more delicious food for the deer.
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What We Like:
- It includes Persist Forb, a special plant developed by Whitetail Institute that deer find very tasty and can handle dry weather.
- It uses WINA-100 perennial forage chicory, which is softer and more appealing to deer than other types of chicory.
- The seed is very sweet, strong, and works in many different places, giving deer up to 44% protein for strong antlers.
- RainBond coating helps the seeds grow better, and it can survive with as little as 15 inches of rain each year.
- Once planted, it lasts for up to 5 years, saving you time and money.
- The 5.6-pound bag covers only a quarter of an acre, so larger plots will require multiple bags, which can increase the cost.
- While it’s designed for poor soil, very rocky or compacted areas might still need some soil preparation for the best results.
What Could Be Improved:
This seed blend offers a long-lasting and highly attractive food source for deer, especially in challenging environments. It’s a smart investment for any serious deer manager.
5. Hale Habitat & Seed Clovers
Rating: 8.8/10
Want to draw more deer to your hunting spot? The Hale Habitat & Seed Clovers, Alfalfa, & Chicory Food Plot Seed Mix is a fantastic option. This 3-pound bag is designed to cover about half an acre. It’s packed with quality seed, so you get more for your money. This mix is made to grow well and attract deer all year long. It’s a perennial blend, meaning it will keep coming back season after season.
What We Like:
- You get a lot of good quality seed for the price.
- The seed is certified and mixed for the best growth and deer attraction.
- One bag plants a good-sized area, about half an acre.
- It has a mix of different clovers and chicory, which deer love.
- This food plot is perennial, meaning it lasts for many years and attracts deer year-round.
- The seeds are inoculated, which helps them sprout and grow better.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might be hard to find in certain areas.
- The 1/2 acre coverage might not be enough for very large hunting properties.
This seed mix is a smart way to create a reliable food source for deer. It’s an easy choice for hunters looking to improve their land.
Your Guide to Perennial Food Plots for Deer
Why Perennial Food Plots Are a Game Changer for Deer
Want to attract more deer to your property? Planting a perennial food plot is a smart move. Unlike annuals that you replant every year, perennials come back year after year. This means less work for you and a steady food source for deer. Think of it as a long-term investment in your hunting success and deer habitat. These plots provide nutrition and attract deer, especially during tough winter months.
Key Features to Look For
1. Plant Diversity
The best perennial food plots have a mix of plants. This variety ensures deer get different nutrients throughout the year. Look for mixes that include legumes (like clover and alfalfa) and grasses. Legumes are packed with protein, which is great for antler growth and fawn development. Grasses provide energy and roughage.
2. Drought Tolerance
Some plants handle dry spells better than others. If you live in an area with less rainfall, choose drought-tolerant species. This will keep your plot green and productive even when the weather is tough.
3. Cold Hardiness
For many hunters, deer are most vulnerable in the late fall and winter. Select plants that can survive cold temperatures and snow. This provides a vital food source when natural forage is scarce.
4. Ease of Establishment
Some perennial mixes are easier to plant and maintain than others. If you’re new to food plotting, start with a mix that doesn’t require a lot of special care or equipment.
Important Materials
When you buy perennial food plot seed, you’re looking at a blend of different plant seeds. These seeds are the “materials” that make up your plot. High-quality seed mixes often contain:
- **Chicory:** A deep-rooted plant that is drought-tolerant and rich in minerals.
- **Alfalfa:** Another legume that is high in protein and grows well in many soil types.
- **Red Clover/White Clover:** These are classic choices for deer food plots. They are nitrogen-fixers, meaning they help improve soil health.
- **Birdsfoot Trefoil:** A legume that is hardy and provides good forage.
- **Orchardgrass/Fescue:** These grasses offer good tonnage and can withstand grazing pressure.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Soil Testing: Knowing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels helps you pick the right seeds and make necessary amendments.
- Proper Site Preparation: Clearing weeds and tilling the soil creates a good seedbed for germination.
- Adequate Sunlight: Most food plot plants need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
- pH Adjustment: Adding lime if your soil is too acidic is crucial for plant growth.
Reducing Quality:
- Poor Soil Conditions: Planting in compacted or nutrient-poor soil will result in a weak plot.
- Too Much Shade: If your plot is too shady, plants won’t grow well.
- Overgrazing: If deer eat the plot too much too soon, it can be damaged and may not recover.
- Invasive Weeds: Uncontrolled weeds will outcompete your food plot seeds.
User Experience and Use Cases
Hunters love perennial food plots because they are a reliable way to draw deer to specific locations. They are perfect for creating hunting zones or “killing plots.” Beyond hunting, these plots also benefit the deer herd by providing consistent nutrition. This can lead to healthier deer with better body weight and antler development. For landowners, they offer a rewarding way to improve wildlife habitat. You can plant them near your hunting stands or in open areas where you want to see more deer activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does a perennial food plot last?
A: A well-maintained perennial food plot can last for 3-5 years or even longer, depending on the plant species and how you manage it.
Q: When is the best time to plant a perennial food plot?
A: The best time to plant is usually in late summer or early fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. Spring planting is also an option in some regions.
Q: Do I need to till the soil for a perennial food plot?
A: Yes, tilling or disking the soil helps create a good seedbed for germination and allows the seeds to make good contact with the soil.
Q: How much seed do I need?
A: Seed amounts vary based on the specific mix and the size of your plot. Always check the recommended seeding rate on the seed bag or product description.
Q: What if my plot doesn’t grow well the first year?
A: It can take a year or two for perennial food plots to fully establish. Be patient and continue with good management practices.
Q: Can I mix perennial and annual food plot seeds?
A: While you can, it’s generally better to keep them separate to manage their growth cycles and needs properly. Some annuals can choke out perennials if not managed carefully.
Q: What are the most important nutrients for deer in a food plot?
A: Protein is crucial for antler growth and fawn development. Carbohydrates provide energy, and minerals are important for overall health.
Q: How do I control weeds in my perennial food plot?
A: Regular mowing can help control many weeds. For persistent weeds, you might need to use herbicides, but always ensure they are safe for your chosen food plot species.
Q: Will planting a perennial food plot attract more deer?
A: Yes, a good food plot provides a reliable food source, which will attract and hold deer on your property, especially during seasons when natural food is scarce.
Q: What is the difference between a perennial and an annual food plot?
A: Annuals are planted each year and have a single growing season (e.g., soybeans, corn). Perennials live for multiple years and regrow from their roots each season (e.g., clover, alfalfa).
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!