Crop To Attract Deer: Comparing Top Food Plot

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent years researching deer nutrition, food plot establishment methods, and the specific seed blends that consistently draw whitetail. My approach combines a deep dive into manufacturer specifications, agronomic data on forage preferences, and the collective experience of seasoned food plot managers. I cross-reference university extension studies on deer forage palatability with real-world feedback from hunters who have planted these exact blends across diverse climates and soil types. This guide is built on that synthesis of technical knowledge and practical application, not on a single season in one field.

Each product in this list was evaluated against a rigorous set of criteria: protein content and digestibility, establishment ease, drought and cold tolerance, seasonal attraction window, and overall value for the investment. I prioritized blends that deliver consistent results across multiple regions, from the deep South to the upper Midwest. The recommendations here reflect what actually works for drawing and holding deer on a property, based on the manufacturer’s stated features and the documented outcomes from experienced users. You can trust that every product earned its place through merit, not marketing.

How we researched

To evaluate these five deer attractant plants and food plot kits, I established a set of objective criteria that matter most to a hunter’s success. The primary factors were palatability (how eagerly deer consume the forage compared to native browse), nutritional value (crude protein content and digestible energy), establishment reliability (germination rates, soil adaptability, and ease of planting), and seasonal attraction window (how long the plot remains attractive from early season through late winter). I also weighed drought tolerance, cold hardiness, and the blend’s ability to persist for multiple years without replanting. Each product was scored against these benchmarks using the manufacturer’s stated specifications and verified through a broad survey of owner experiences across forums, review sites, and direct feedback from food plot consultants.

I did not physically plant or test these products myself. Instead, I analyzed the agronomic profiles of each blend: the specific species included, the seed coatings and treatments applied, the recommended planting methods, and the claimed protein levels. I then compared these against known deer preferences documented in wildlife management research. For example, perennial clovers like those in Imperial Clover and Trophy Clover are proven to be highly preferred over annuals, while brassica blends like Full Draw and Throw & Gro offer late-season attraction when clovers go dormant. I also considered practical factors like seed cost per acre, the need for tillage versus no-till planting, and the blend’s adaptability to different soil pH levels. This systematic approach ensures the recommendations are grounded in science and real-world effectiveness, not anecdotal claims.

Whitetail Institute Imperial Clover – Best for Year-Round Attraction

Whitetail Institute’s Imperial Clover has earned its reputation as the gold standard in food plot seed. This blend is not a generic mix of off-the-shelf clovers; it is a proprietary combination of perennial clovers that were specifically bred for whitetail deer. The result is a forage that deer find highly palatable from the moment it emerges in spring through the first hard frosts of fall. The clover leaves are tender and sweet, and the plants are engineered to withstand heavy browsing pressure without dying off. Once established, Imperial Clover’s deep root system gives it remarkable drought tolerance, meaning it stays green and attractive even during dry spells that would wither other forages.

What truly sets Imperial Clover apart is its persistence. A single planting can provide high-quality forage for multiple years, which dramatically reduces the annual labor and seed cost of maintaining a food plot. The clover produces a dense, low-growing mat that suppresses weeds naturally, and it fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility for future plantings. Deer will visit the plot consistently from spring green-up through the end of hunting season, making it a reliable anchor for any property. The protein content is high enough to support antler growth and fawn development, adding a nutritional benefit that goes beyond mere attraction.

One honest limitation of Imperial Clover is that it requires proper soil preparation to reach its full potential. It performs best when planted into a well-prepared seedbed with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which may require lime application and tilling. This makes it less ideal for hunters who cannot access equipment or who want a quick, no-till solution. Additionally, the initial cost per bag is higher than many annual blends, though the multi-year payoff offsets that investment over time.

Evolved Harvest Throw & Gro – Best for No-Till Small Plots

Evolved Harvest’s Throw & Gro is a game-changer for hunters who want to establish a food plot without a tractor, tiller, or even a rake. The seed blend is coated with a germination-accelerating polymer that helps each seed absorb moisture quickly and begin growing even when broadcast onto minimally disturbed soil. The recommended method is simply to scatter the seed onto a lightly raked or scratched surface, then let rain and soil contact do the rest. This makes Throw & Gro perfect for small plots in remote areas, logging roads, or powerline cuts where heavy equipment cannot go.

The blend itself is a strategic mix of brassicas (such as turnips and radishes), clover, and chicory. This combination provides a long attraction window: the brassicas become highly palatable after the first frost, when their sugars concentrate, while the clover and chicory offer earlier-season forage. Deer will hit the plot from late summer through early winter, and the different root depths of the plants improve soil health over time. The coating also reduces seed waste by protecting against birds and insects, and it allows for even distribution from a hand spreader or even by hand for very small areas.

A real limitation of Throw & Gro is that it is primarily an annual blend. While the clover component may persist for a second season in ideal conditions, the brassicas will die after winter, meaning you will need to replant each year for consistent results. Also, the no-till method works best when the soil is already somewhat loose or has been disturbed; simply tossing seed onto hard-packed ground or thick sod will lead to poor germination. For the best results, you should still scratch the surface with a rake or garden weasel before broadcasting.

BioLogic Full Draw – Best Multi-Season Blend

BioLogic’s Full Draw is engineered to solve one of the biggest challenges in food plotting: maintaining deer attraction across the entire hunting season. This blend combines cool-season brassicas (turnips, kale, and radishes) with annual clovers and chicory to create what the manufacturer calls a “sequential buffet.” As the season progresses, different components reach their peak palatability. Early in the season, the clover and chicory are the primary attractants. As temperatures drop and frost hits, the brassicas become sweet and highly preferred, drawing deer even when other food sources are scarce. The radishes and turnips provide forage well into late winter.

This multi-species approach also benefits soil health. The brassicas have deep taproots that break up compacted soil, while the clovers fix nitrogen. The result is a plot that not only attracts deer but also improves the ground for future plantings. Full Draw is particularly effective in the Midwest and northern states where cold winters make late-season attraction critical. The blend is designed to be planted in late summer, timed so that the brassicas mature just as hunting season begins. Deer will key in on the plot from early bow season through the late muzzleloader period.

One limitation of Full Draw is that it requires careful timing. If planted too early, the brassicas may bolt and become tough before frost; if planted too late, they may not reach sufficient size. The blend also demands decent soil fertility and a pH around 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal growth. Additionally, because it contains annuals, it will need to be replanted each year, which adds to the annual labor and seed cost. For hunters who want a low-maintenance perennial plot, this is not the best choice.

Antler King Trophy Clover – Best for Trophy Buck Nutrition

Antler King Trophy Clover takes a nutrition-first approach to food plotting. This blend is not just about pulling deer past a camera; it is formulated specifically to support antler development and overall herd health. The mix includes red clover, ladino white clover, and chicory, all of which are heavy producers of digestible protein during the critical antler-growing months of April through August. High protein intake during this period directly correlates with increased antler size and body weight. For hunters managing for mature bucks, this is a powerful tool.

The clovers in this blend are perennial, meaning they will come back year after year with minimal maintenance. Ladino white clover is known for its high palatability and protein content, while red clover adds volume and drought tolerance. Chicory provides a deep taproot that mines nutrients from the subsoil and stays green during dry periods. Together, they create a dense, nutritious stand that deer will visit daily. The blend also includes a coating that enhances germination and protects the seed from early-season pests. Once established, Trophy Clover can persist for three to four years with proper management.

An honest limitation of Trophy Clover is that it can be slower to establish than annual blends. The perennial clovers require a well-prepared seedbed and consistent moisture during the first few weeks after planting. If you are planting into poor soil or facing a drought, germination may be spotty. Additionally, the high palatability means deer may overgraze the plot, especially if it is small, which can stress the plants and reduce longevity. You may need to rotate grazing pressure or plant a larger area to allow the clover to recover between browsing sessions.

Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries Pure Clover – Best for Large Acreage

When you are seeding multiple acres of food plots, per-pound seed cost becomes a major factor. Mossy Oak’s Nativ Nurseries Pure Clover blend delivers excellent deer attraction value in bulk quantities suitable for large-scale projects. The blend is adapted for a wide range of soil types and climates, from the sandy soils of the Southeast to the heavier clay of the Midwest. It establishes readily and produces the dense, palatable stand that attracts deer all season. For managers working with two or more acres of food plots, this is the most cost-effective way to plant high-quality clover.

The blend consists of select varieties of perennial clover that are chosen for their high forage yield and deer preference. Because it is a “pure clover” mix, it avoids the complications of multi-species blends that may require different planting depths or timing. This simplicity makes it easy to plant with a standard grain drill or broadcast spreader. The clover fixes nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, and its thick growth suppresses weeds naturally. Once established, Pure Clover provides reliable attraction from spring green-up through late fall, and it can persist for several years with proper mowing and weed control.

One limitation of Pure Clover is that, as a straight clover blend, it does not offer the late-season attraction that brassica-based blends provide. After the first hard freeze, clover goes dormant and loses much of its appeal. Hunters in northern climates may need to plant a separate brassica plot for late-season hunting. Also, because it is sold in bulk, the initial investment can feel high, even though the per-acre cost is lower. Finally, like all perennial clovers, it requires a well-prepared seedbed and proper soil pH for best results, which may be a challenge on large acreages with variable soil conditions.

What to look for

• Palatability and protein content: Look for blends with clovers, chicory, and brassicas that are proven to be highly preferred by deer over native forage. Higher protein levels support antler growth and overall herd health.
• Perennial versus annual life cycle: Perennial blends like Imperial Clover and Trophy Clover offer multi-year returns from a single planting, reducing annual labor and seed cost. Annual blends like Full Draw and Throw & Gro require replanting but provide targeted late-season attraction.
• Establishment method: If you lack tilling equipment, choose a no-till blend like Throw & Gro with a germination coating. For traditional food plots, perennial clovers need a well-prepared seedbed with proper pH and fertility.
• Seasonal attraction window: Consider when you hunt most. Clover-dominant blends excel from spring through early fall. Brassica blends become most attractive after frost, making them ideal for late-season hunting.
• Soil adaptability and drought tolerance: Look for blends with deep-rooted species like chicory or perennial clovers that can withstand dry periods. Check the manufacturer’s recommended soil pH range to ensure compatibility with your land.
• Cost per acre for your plot size: For large acreages, bulk blends like Mossy Oak Pure Clover offer the best value. For small plots, a premium blend like Imperial Clover may be worth the higher per-bag cost due to its longevity.

The verdict

After evaluating each product against the criteria that matter most for deer attraction and food plot success, the Whitetail Institute Imperial Clover stands as the top pick for most hunters. Its proven palatability, drought tolerance, and multi-year persistence make it the highest-return investment for anyone who can prepare a proper seedbed. For hunters who need a no-till solution for remote or small plots, the Evolved Harvest Throw & Gro is the clear choice, offering quick establishment with minimal equipment. The BioLogic Full Draw is the best option for those who want a multi-season attraction window, especially in northern climates where late-season brassicas are critical. Antler King Trophy Clover is the nutrition-focused blend for managers targeting antler development, while Mossy Oak Nativ Nurseries Pure Clover delivers the best value for large-acreage projects. Choose the blend that fits your land, your equipment, and your hunting season, and you will draw more whitetail consistently.