Planting Guide to Grasses and Legumes for Forage and Wildlife in Georgia

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Contents	~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Introduction Table Table Footnotes		Planting Guide to Grasses and Legumes for Forage and Wildlife in Georgia

Prepared by
R. Dewey Lee

This planting guide will help producers establish grasses and legumes commonly grown in Georgia. Although information is given for particular species, it should not be taken as a recommendation to grow that species. Not all of the plant species grown in Georgia are recommended by the University of Georgia.

Abbreviations in this chart are footnoted. This chart does not replace the need to obtain additional information for good management practices. Consult current reports, bulletins and information for specific recommendations. Specific bulletins or reports are mentioned in the remarks section.

Start with high quality seed. Certified seed is available for most recommended crops. Get the most from your soil by testing your soil to determine nutrient need. Contact the county Extension office for information on soil sampling. Fertilize and lime according to soil test results. Plant seed at the proper depth in a good seed bed when soil temperatures and moisture are best. Use the correct seeding rate per acre. For high yields maintain soil fertility and control weeds, insects and diseases. Harvest the appropriate time with properly adjusted equipment. Protect seed quality by proper handling and storage.

CROP Lbs.
Seed/
Bu. Approx.
Seeds/
Oz. Seeding Rate
(B) Broadcast
(D) Drill
(R) Rows Approximate
Planting Date⁸ Growth
Type
Certified Seed Quality
Remarks

Min.
Germ % Min.
Purity % Max.
weed seed

GRASSES
Bahia
42
10,300-17,000 B/D:
10-15 lbs/A C: First frost free day Warm season
perennial: grazing 85 95 .5% See Ext. Service Bulletin 573 for more info. Bahiagrass may become a pest in hybrid bermudagrass fields.

Barley 48 850 D: 2-2.5 bu/A
B: 2.5-3 bu/A LV: Sept. 1-Oct. 15
P: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 Cool season
annual: silage 85 98 10/lb. Not well adapted to C. Very sensitive to acid soils.

Bermudagrass
  common
  (hulled)
  hybrid
40

--
99,000-120,000

1,000 sprigs/bu.¹ B/D:
5-10 lbs/A

15-20 bu/A S: May 15-July 15

S: Feb. 20-Aug. 15 Warm season
perennial: hay
grazing --⁴
90
(living sprigs) --⁴ --⁴
Can contain 2% other living plants. Well suited for conservation. See Ext. Service Bulletin 573 for more info. Use certified varieties.

Corn 56 80-140 18,000-32,000
seed/A in rows LV: Apr. 1-May 10
P: Apr. 1-Apr. 20
C: Mar. 1-Apr. 15 Warm season
annual: silage,
feed 90 99 None Produces top quality silage. Narrow rows (30") improve yields.

Tall Fescue 20 11,000-14,500 D: 10-15 lbs/A
B: 15-20 lbs/A LV: Sept. 1-Oct. 15
P: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 Cool season perennial:
hay, grazing 80 98 .5% See Ext. Service Cir. 676. Use low endophyte varieties only.

Dallisgrass -- 17,500-21,250 D: 12-15 lbs/A
B: 15-20 lbs/A S: Feb. 15-Mar. 30 Warm season
perennial: grazing 50 40 1.0% Produces 65-75% as much dry matter as bahiagrass. Difficult to establish.

Johnsongrass 40 8,250 15-20 lbs/A S: Apr.-July Warm season perennial: grazing, hay, silage 80 90 .1% Is a serious weed pest in GA. Should not be planted for use is a noxious-- weed.

Millet
  browntop
56
5,000-8,900
D: 10-20 lbs/A
B: 20-25 lbs/A LV: May 1-Aug. 1
P: Apr. 1-Aug. 1
C: Apr. 1-Aug. 15 Warm season
annual:
hay, wildlife 60 90 10%³ Matures in 60-80 days.

  foxtail
   German
   common
   Hungarian 50 11,500-15,500 D: 15-20 lbs/A
B: 20-25 lbs/A LV: May 1-Aug. 1
P: Apr. 1-Aug. 1
C: Apr. 1-Aug. 15 wildlife,
hay 80 90 .25% Matures in 75-90 days.

  japanese 35 9,000-9,500 D: 15-20 lbs/A
B: 20-25 lbs/A LV: May 1-Aug. 1
P: Apr. 1-Aug. 1
C: Apr. 1-Aug. 15 wildlife 80 98 .25% Very similar to barnyard grass. Seed matures in approx. 60 days. Good feed for ducks.

  pearl 50 5,100-5,400 R: 10-15 lbs/A
B: 20-25 lbs/A C: April 1-July 15 grazing, hay,
human consumption
wildlife, feed 80 98 .25% Planted in April should be ready to graze in 40 days. Production for 80 to 100 days.

  proso 56 3,750-5,000 R: 10-20 lbs/A
B: 20-25 lbs/A LV: May 1-Aug. 1
P: April 1-Aug. 1
C: April 1-Aug. 15 wildlife 80 98 .25% Matures in 60-75 days.

Oats 32 1,000-1,425 D: 3-4 bu/A
B: 4 bu/A S: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 Cool season
annual: grazing, silage, hay 85 98 10/lb Used primarily as a companion crop with clover and other grass.

Orchardgrass 14 23,500-29,800 D: 10-15 lbs/A
B: 2-5 bu/A LV: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 Cool season
perennial: grazing 80 85 .5% Best suited to the mountain regions of GA.

Rye 56 1,135 D: 2-2.5 bu/A
B: 2-5 bu/A S: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 Cool season
annual: hay, grazing 80 98 10/lb Used mainly for grazing or green mature. Cut for silage in heading stage.

Ryegrass 20 11,225-12,500 B: 20-30 lbs/A S: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 Cool season
annual: hay, grazing 70 90 10%³ Reduce seeding rate if used in conjunction with small grain and clover.

Sorghum
  grain
56
800-1,500
D: 6-8 lbs/A
B: 10-12 lbs/A LV: May 15-July 1²
P: May 1-July 1
C: April 15-July 15 Warm season
annual: silage, feed 80 98 .1% Plant when soil temp. is above 65°F.

  forage 56 1,000-2,250 D: 6-8 lbs/A
4-5 seed/ft. LV: May 1-July 1²P: May 1-July 1
C: April 15-July 1 green chop,
silage 80 98 .1% Thick spacing increases lodging. Use wide rows.

  sweet 50 1,000-2,250 R: 2-3 seed/ft.
(3-5 lbs/A) LV: Late April-May 15² human
consumption 80 98 .1% Often called "cane."

Sudangrass 40 2,350-3,475 R: 10-15 lbs/A
B: 20-25 lbs/A LV/P: May 1-Aug. 1² Warm season
annual: silage, hay, grazing 80 98 .1% Performs best on medium to heavy textured soils. High quality forage.

Sorghum/
  Sudan
  Hybrids
40
3,500-3,700
R: 15-20 lbs/A
B: 25-30 lbs/A LV: May 1-Aug. 1
P: April 15-Aug. 1
C: April 1-Aug. 15 silage, hay
grazing 80 98 .1% A cross between forage sorghum & sudangrass. Generally outyields pearl millet.

Triticale 48 700-950 D: 2 bu/A
B: 2.5-3 bu/A C: Oct. 1-Nov. 15 Cool season
annual: grazing, feed 85 98 10/lb See current small grain performance test bulletin for var. yield results.

Wheat 60 750-1,200 D: 2-2.5 bu/A
B: 2.5 bu/A LV: Sept. 1-Oct. 15
P: Sept. 15-Oct. 15
C: Oct. 1-Nov. 1 Cool season
annual: hay, grazing, feed 85 98 10/lb Excellent quality silage. See small grain performance test bulletin for var. yield results. Use Hessian fly resistant cultivars.

LEGUMES^{5
7} -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- See Ext. Service Bulletin 573, Cir. 645 for more information.

Alfalfa 60 13,500-14,500 D: 18-25 lbs/A
Use higher rate
for B. LV: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
P: Sept. 1-Oct. 10
C: Sept. 20-Oct. 20 Cool season
perennial: grazing, hay 80 99 .5% See Ext. Service Bulletin 898. Correct soil acidity prior to seeding. Harvest at early bloom stage.

Beggarweed
  (Florida)
60
12,500-14,000
D/B: 10-12 lbs/A C: April 15-June 15 Warm season
perennial: grazing, hay wildlife -- -- --⁴ Usually lives as an annual in GA. Considered to be a serious weed pest.

Birdsfoot trefoil 60 23,000-24,000 D/B: 6-12 lbs/A⁶ LV/P: Sept. 1-Oct. 10 Cool season
perennial: grazing, hay 80 98 .5% Offers good grazing when mixed with tall fescue or orchardgrass. Natural reseeding.

Caley pea
  (rough/winter)
53
950-1,135
D: 20-25 lbs/A
B: 25-30 lbs/A S: Sept. 1-Oct. 30 Cool season
annual: wildlife, soil improvement -- -- --⁴ Seed are poisonous to cattle. Grows well on heavy textured soils of moderate acidity.

Clover
  alyce

60
17,000-18,875
D/B: 15-20 lbs/A⁶ C: May 1-June 15 Warm season
annual: grazing, hay, soil improvement 80 99 .5% Best suited to extreme South Georgia.

  arrowleaf 60 45,500-55,000 D/B: 5-8 lbs/A⁶(scarified) LV: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
P: Sept. 1-Sept. 20
C: Sept. 10-Oct. 10 Cool season
annual: grazing, hay 85 98 .5% Provides grazing till late May or early June. See Cir. 645.

  berseem 60 12,000-13,000 D/B: 15-20 lbs/A⁶ C: Oct. 1-Nov. 1 Cool season
annual: grazing 85 98 .5% Best suited to South GA.

  crimson 60 8,750-9,500 D/B: 20-30 lbs/A⁶ LV: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
P: Sept. 1-Sept. 20
C: Sept. 10-Oct. 10 Cool season
annual: grazing, hay, soil improvement 85 98 .5% Most productive from late Feb. to mid-April. See Cir. 645.

  red 60 16,000-17,000 D: 8-10 lbs/AB: 12-15 lbs/A⁶ LV/P: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 Cool season
perennial: grazing, hay 85 99 .25% Usually does not persist more than 2-3 years. Excellent grazing when mixed with tall fescue & orchardgrass.

  subterranean 60 3,375-4,125 D: 8-10 lbs/A⁶ S: Sept. 1-Oct. 10 Cool season
annual: grazing, hay 85 98 .5% A good reseeding plant. Can be maintained in permanent grass sods where properly managed.

  white (ladino) 60 42,000-55,000 D/B: 2-4 lbs/A⁶ S: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 Cool season
perennial: grazing, hay 85 98 .5% Does best on moist, upland land soils. Widely used in overseeding fescue pastures.

Cowpea 60 125-375 D: 60 lbs/A13: 60-90 lbs/A S: May 1 -June 15 Warm season annual: grazing, hay, wildlife, soil improvement 80 98 .1% Does best on well drained fertile soil. Many cultivars reseed. Used mostly for wildlife, soil improvement.

Lespedeza
  (kobe)
  common

25-30

11,000-21,000

D: 15-20 lbs/A
B: 20-30 lbs/A
(scarified) LV/P: Feb. 15- Mar. 15 Warm season annual: hay, grazing, wildlife 80 98 1% Also known as striate. Not suited for sandy soils. Seed yields higher when no hay is harvested.

korean 42-45 14,885 D: 15-20 lbs/A
B: 20-30 lbs/A
(scarified) LV/P: Feb. 15-Mar. 15 Warm season annual: hay, grazing, wildlife, soil improvement 80 98 1% Not suited for sandy soils. Seed yield higher when no hay is harvested.

sericea
  unhulled
  hulled
35
60
21,875-23,250
D: 15-20 lbs/A⁶B: 20-30 lbs/A
(scarified) S: Mar. 15-Apr. 15 Warm season
perennial: hay, grazing, wildlife, soil improvement 80 98 1% Use a herbicide to control competitive weeds. For hay, harvest in mature growth. May be used for conservation purposes.

bicolor 60 4,875-5,300 D: 8-10 lbs/A
(30-36"R)
(scarified) Live plants:
10,000/36" R P/C: Mar. 1-May 1 Warm season
perennial: wildlife 80 98 1% Use wide rows. Shrub must be managed to prevent unwanted growth. Excellent cover & food for wildlife.

thunbergii 60 2,800-4,200 D: 8-10 lbs/A
(30-36"R)
(scarified) Live plants:
10,000/36" R P/C: Mar. 1-May 1 Warm season
perennial: wildlife 80 98 1% Use wide rows. Shrub must be managed to prevent unwanted growth. Excellent cover & food for wildlife.

Lupine
  (blue, white)
60
65-200 (white
usually has larger seed than blue)
D: 60-90 lbs/A
B: 75-100 lbs/A LV: Sept. 15-30
P: Sept. 15-Oct. 15
C: Oct. 15-Nov. 15 Cool season annual:
hay, grazing, soil
improvement 80 98 .3% Adapted best to sandy, loam soils. Only sweet varieties are suitable for grazing.

Partridge Pea -- -- D: 5-10 lbs/A
B: 15-20 lbs/A P/C: Mar. 1-May 1 Warm season
annual: wildlife -- -- --⁴ May require acid scarification to improve germ. Hard seed. Most productive type is showy partridge pea.

Rhizoma
  peanuts
  (perennial) Vegetatively propagated -- 25-40 bu
Rhizomes/A C: Dec-early March Warm season perennial: soil improvement, hay, grazing 90%
living sprigs Can contain 2% other living plants Most Varieties developed in FL. Can be high quality hay.

Sesbania 60 2,500-2,980 D/B: 20-25 lbs/A C: May 1-June 15 Warm season perennial: wildlife, soil improvement -- -- --⁴ Very tall growing. Grows well in poorly drained areas. Considered a weed pest in GA.

Sweetclover 60 16,000 D/B: 10-15 lbs/A
(scarified)⁶ LV/P: Sept. 1-Oct. 10 Cool season biennial: grazing, hay, soil improvement 80 99 .5% Used primarily for soil improvements and a crop for honey production.

Vetch
  common
  (hybrids)

60

600-1,000

D/B: 15-25 lbs/A⁶ P: Sept. 1-Oct. 15
C: Sept. 15-Nov. 1 Cool season
annual: grazing, wildlife, soil improvement 80 98 .25% New hybrid varieties have shown poor winter hardiness. Produces growth and seed earlier than hairy. Res. to many nematodes.

hairy 60 1,000-1,250 D/B: 20-30 lbs/A⁶ LV/P: Sept. 1-Oct. 15
C: Sept. 15-Nov. 1 Cool season annual:
grazing, wildlife, soil improvement 80 98 .25% A cold hardy vetch. Poor reseeder and susceptible to nematodes.

Winter peas
  (Austrian)
60
100-300
D/B: 30-35 lbs/A S: Sept. 1-Oct. 30 Cool season annual:
soil improvement,
wildlife 80 98 .1% Growth period similar to vetch. Commonly used for soil improvement.

OTHER

Buckwheat

48

1,275-1,500

D/B: 30-60 lbs/A S: Apr. 15-June 15 Warm season annual: forb, grain, wildlife, soil improvement -- -- --⁴ A short season crop. Good for honey production.

Chufa 44 varies D: 25-35 lbs/A
(12" R)
B: 50-60 lbs/A C: May 15-June 30 Warm season perennial: sedge, wildlife -- -- --⁴ Should be planted in sandy textured soils. Very similar to nutsedge.

Sesame 46 8,000-11,000 D: 1 lb/A in 36" Rows C: May 1-June 15 Warm season annual: forb, wildlife, oil, seed crop, human consumption -- -- --⁴ Also known as "orobenne." Most varieties shatter readily. Require 90-120 days to maturity.

Sunflowers 30 350-400 18,000-22,000 C/P: April-June Warm season feed, wildlife 85 97 .2 Use oil types for wildlife food plots.

1 Bu = 4/5 cu. ft.

2 Soil temps should be 65^°F.

3 No certified standards apply. Minimum requirements are State Seed Laws only.

4 No minimum requirements. For sale, must have germ, purity and weed seed % on tag.

5 Legumes require rhizobium bacteria for nitrogen fixation. Use the appropriate inoculant.

6 Reduce rate by 1/3-2/3 if mixing with a grass or other legume.

7 Plant small seeded legumes and grasses 0-1/4" deep. Other legumes 1/4-1/2" deep. Small grains and large seeded legumes such as lupine should be planted 3/4 -1" deep.

8 LV = Limestone Valley & Mountains      P = Piedmont      C = Coastal Plains      S = Statewide

This chart is to be used as a guide and does not replace the need to obtain additional information for good management practices.
Consult current performance bulletins for variety yield data.
As always use certified seed to assure good germination, trueness to variety and freedom from noxious weeds.

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AGRONOMY

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Revised August, 2000

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CROP		Lbs. Seed/ Bu.	Approx. Seeds/ Oz.		Seeding Rate (B) Broadcast (D) Drill (R) Rows	Approximate Planting Date⁸	Growth Type	Certified Seed Quality			Remarks
								Min. Germ %	Min. Purity %	Max. weed seed
GRASSES Bahia		42	10,300-17,000		B/D: 10-15 lbs/A	C: First frost free day	Warm season perennial: grazing	85	95	.5%	See Ext. Service Bulletin 573 for more info. Bahiagrass may become a pest in hybrid bermudagrass fields.
Barley		48	850		D: 2-2.5 bu/A B: 2.5-3 bu/A	LV: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 P: Sept. 1-Oct. 15	Cool season annual: silage	85	98	10/lb.	Not well adapted to C. Very sensitive to acid soils.
Bermudagrass common (hulled) hybrid		40 --	99,000-120,000 1,000 sprigs/bu.¹		B/D: 5-10 lbs/A 15-20 bu/A	S: May 15-July 15 S: Feb. 20-Aug. 15	Warm season perennial: hay grazing	--⁴ 90 (living sprigs)	--⁴	--⁴ Can contain 2% other living plants.	Well suited for conservation. See Ext. Service Bulletin 573 for more info. Use certified varieties.
Corn		56	80-140		18,000-32,000 seed/A in rows	LV: Apr. 1-May 10 P: Apr. 1-Apr. 20 C: Mar. 1-Apr. 15	Warm season annual: silage, feed	90	99	None	Produces top quality silage. Narrow rows (30") improve yields.
Tall Fescue		20	11,000-14,500		D: 10-15 lbs/A B: 15-20 lbs/A	LV: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 P: Sept. 1-Oct. 15	Cool season perennial: hay, grazing	80	98	.5%	See Ext. Service Cir. 676. Use low endophyte varieties only.
Dallisgrass		--	17,500-21,250		D: 12-15 lbs/A B: 15-20 lbs/A	S: Feb. 15-Mar. 30	Warm season perennial: grazing	50	40	1.0%	Produces 65-75% as much dry matter as bahiagrass. Difficult to establish.
Johnsongrass		40	8,250		15-20 lbs/A	S: Apr.-July	Warm season perennial: grazing, hay, silage	80	90	.1%	Is a serious weed pest in GA. Should not be planted for use is a noxious-- weed.
Millet browntop		56	5,000-8,900		D: 10-20 lbs/A B: 20-25 lbs/A	LV: May 1-Aug. 1 P: Apr. 1-Aug. 1 C: Apr. 1-Aug. 15	Warm season annual: hay, wildlife	60	90	10%³	Matures in 60-80 days.
foxtail German common Hungarian		50	11,500-15,500		D: 15-20 lbs/A B: 20-25 lbs/A	LV: May 1-Aug. 1 P: Apr. 1-Aug. 1 C: Apr. 1-Aug. 15	wildlife, hay	80	90	.25%	Matures in 75-90 days.
japanese		35	9,000-9,500		D: 15-20 lbs/A B: 20-25 lbs/A	LV: May 1-Aug. 1 P: Apr. 1-Aug. 1 C: Apr. 1-Aug. 15	wildlife	80	98	.25%	Very similar to barnyard grass. Seed matures in approx. 60 days. Good feed for ducks.
pearl		50	5,100-5,400		R: 10-15 lbs/A B: 20-25 lbs/A	C: April 1-July 15	grazing, hay, human consumption wildlife, feed	80	98	.25%	Planted in April should be ready to graze in 40 days. Production for 80 to 100 days.
proso		56	3,750-5,000		R: 10-20 lbs/A B: 20-25 lbs/A	LV: May 1-Aug. 1 P: April 1-Aug. 1 C: April 1-Aug. 15	wildlife	80	98	.25%	Matures in 60-75 days.
Oats		32	1,000-1,425		D: 3-4 bu/A B: 4 bu/A	S: Sept. 1-Oct. 15	Cool season annual: grazing, silage, hay	85	98	10/lb	Used primarily as a companion crop with clover and other grass.
Orchardgrass		14	23,500-29,800		D: 10-15 lbs/A B: 2-5 bu/A	LV: Sept. 1-Oct. 15	Cool season perennial: grazing	80	85	.5%	Best suited to the mountain regions of GA.
Rye		56	1,135		D: 2-2.5 bu/A B: 2-5 bu/A	S: Sept. 1-Oct. 15	Cool season annual: hay, grazing	80	98	10/lb	Used mainly for grazing or green mature. Cut for silage in heading stage.
Ryegrass		20	11,225-12,500		B: 20-30 lbs/A	S: Sept. 1-Oct. 15	Cool season annual: hay, grazing	70	90	10%³	Reduce seeding rate if used in conjunction with small grain and clover.
Sorghum grain		56	800-1,500		D: 6-8 lbs/A B: 10-12 lbs/A	LV: May 15-July 1² P: May 1-July 1 C: April 15-July 15	Warm season annual: silage, feed	80	98	.1%	Plant when soil temp. is above 65°F.
forage		56	1,000-2,250		D: 6-8 lbs/A 4-5 seed/ft.	LV: May 1-July 1²P: May 1-July 1 C: April 15-July 1	green chop, silage	80	98	.1%	Thick spacing increases lodging. Use wide rows.
sweet		50	1,000-2,250		R: 2-3 seed/ft. (3-5 lbs/A)	LV: Late April-May 15²	human consumption	80	98	.1%	Often called "cane."
Sudangrass		40	2,350-3,475		R: 10-15 lbs/A B: 20-25 lbs/A	LV/P: May 1-Aug. 1²	Warm season annual: silage, hay, grazing	80	98	.1%	Performs best on medium to heavy textured soils. High quality forage.
Sorghum/ Sudan Hybrids		40	3,500-3,700		R: 15-20 lbs/A B: 25-30 lbs/A	LV: May 1-Aug. 1 P: April 15-Aug. 1 C: April 1-Aug. 15	silage, hay grazing	80	98	.1%	A cross between forage sorghum & sudangrass. Generally outyields pearl millet.
Triticale		48	700-950		D: 2 bu/A B: 2.5-3 bu/A	C: Oct. 1-Nov. 15	Cool season annual: grazing, feed	85	98	10/lb	See current small grain performance test bulletin for var. yield results.
Wheat		60	750-1,200		D: 2-2.5 bu/A B: 2.5 bu/A	LV: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 P: Sept. 15-Oct. 15 C: Oct. 1-Nov. 1	Cool season annual: hay, grazing, feed	85	98	10/lb	Excellent quality silage. See small grain performance test bulletin for var. yield results. Use Hessian fly resistant cultivars.
LEGUMES^{5 7}		--	--		--	--	--	--	--	--	See Ext. Service Bulletin 573, Cir. 645 for more information.
Alfalfa		60	13,500-14,500		D: 18-25 lbs/A Use higher rate for B.	LV: Aug. 25-Sept. 10 P: Sept. 1-Oct. 10 C: Sept. 20-Oct. 20	Cool season perennial: grazing, hay	80	99	.5%	See Ext. Service Bulletin 898. Correct soil acidity prior to seeding. Harvest at early bloom stage.
Beggarweed (Florida)		60	12,500-14,000		D/B: 10-12 lbs/A	C: April 15-June 15	Warm season perennial: grazing, hay wildlife	--	--	--⁴	Usually lives as an annual in GA. Considered to be a serious weed pest.
Birdsfoot trefoil		60	23,000-24,000		D/B: 6-12 lbs/A⁶	LV/P: Sept. 1-Oct. 10	Cool season perennial: grazing, hay	80	98	.5%	Offers good grazing when mixed with tall fescue or orchardgrass. Natural reseeding.
Caley pea (rough/winter)		53	950-1,135		D: 20-25 lbs/A B: 25-30 lbs/A	S: Sept. 1-Oct. 30	Cool season annual: wildlife, soil improvement	--	--	--⁴	Seed are poisonous to cattle. Grows well on heavy textured soils of moderate acidity.
Clover alyce		60	17,000-18,875		D/B: 15-20 lbs/A⁶	C: May 1-June 15	Warm season annual: grazing, hay, soil improvement	80	99	.5%	Best suited to extreme South Georgia.
arrowleaf		60	45,500-55,000		D/B: 5-8 lbs/A⁶(scarified)	LV: Aug. 25-Sept. 10 P: Sept. 1-Sept. 20 C: Sept. 10-Oct. 10	Cool season annual: grazing, hay	85	98	.5%	Provides grazing till late May or early June. See Cir. 645.
berseem		60	12,000-13,000		D/B: 15-20 lbs/A⁶	C: Oct. 1-Nov. 1	Cool season annual: grazing	85	98	.5%	Best suited to South GA.
crimson		60	8,750-9,500		D/B: 20-30 lbs/A⁶	LV: Aug. 25-Sept. 10 P: Sept. 1-Sept. 20 C: Sept. 10-Oct. 10	Cool season annual: grazing, hay, soil improvement	85	98	.5%	Most productive from late Feb. to mid-April. See Cir. 645.
red		60	16,000-17,000		D: 8-10 lbs/AB: 12-15 lbs/A⁶	LV/P: Sept. 1-Oct. 15	Cool season perennial: grazing, hay	85	99	.25%	Usually does not persist more than 2-3 years. Excellent grazing when mixed with tall fescue & orchardgrass.
subterranean		60	3,375-4,125		D: 8-10 lbs/A⁶	S: Sept. 1-Oct. 10	Cool season annual: grazing, hay	85	98	.5%	A good reseeding plant. Can be maintained in permanent grass sods where properly managed.
white (ladino)		60	42,000-55,000		D/B: 2-4 lbs/A⁶	S: Sept. 1-Oct. 15	Cool season perennial: grazing, hay	85	98	.5%	Does best on moist, upland land soils. Widely used in overseeding fescue pastures.
Cowpea		60	125-375		D: 60 lbs/A13: 60-90 lbs/A	S: May 1 -June 15	Warm season annual: grazing, hay, wildlife, soil improvement	80	98	.1%	Does best on well drained fertile soil. Many cultivars reseed. Used mostly for wildlife, soil improvement.
Lespedeza (kobe) common		25-30	11,000-21,000		D: 15-20 lbs/A B: 20-30 lbs/A (scarified)	LV/P: Feb. 15- Mar. 15	Warm season annual: hay, grazing, wildlife	80	98	1%	Also known as striate. Not suited for sandy soils. Seed yields higher when no hay is harvested.
korean		42-45	14,885		D: 15-20 lbs/A B: 20-30 lbs/A (scarified)	LV/P: Feb. 15-Mar. 15	Warm season annual: hay, grazing, wildlife, soil improvement	80	98	1%	Not suited for sandy soils. Seed yield higher when no hay is harvested.
sericea unhulled hulled		35 60	21,875-23,250		D: 15-20 lbs/A⁶B: 20-30 lbs/A (scarified)	S: Mar. 15-Apr. 15	Warm season perennial: hay, grazing, wildlife, soil improvement	80	98	1%	Use a herbicide to control competitive weeds. For hay, harvest in mature growth. May be used for conservation purposes.
bicolor		60	4,875-5,300		D: 8-10 lbs/A (30-36"R) (scarified) Live plants: 10,000/36" R	P/C: Mar. 1-May 1	Warm season perennial: wildlife	80	98	1%	Use wide rows. Shrub must be managed to prevent unwanted growth. Excellent cover & food for wildlife.
thunbergii		60	2,800-4,200		D: 8-10 lbs/A (30-36"R) (scarified) Live plants: 10,000/36" R	P/C: Mar. 1-May 1	Warm season perennial: wildlife	80	98	1%	Use wide rows. Shrub must be managed to prevent unwanted growth. Excellent cover & food for wildlife.
Lupine (blue, white)		60	65-200 (white usually has larger seed than blue)		D: 60-90 lbs/A B: 75-100 lbs/A	LV: Sept. 15-30 P: Sept. 15-Oct. 15 C: Oct. 15-Nov. 15	Cool season annual: hay, grazing, soil improvement	80	98	.3%	Adapted best to sandy, loam soils. Only sweet varieties are suitable for grazing.
Partridge Pea		--	--		D: 5-10 lbs/A B: 15-20 lbs/A	P/C: Mar. 1-May 1	Warm season annual: wildlife	--	--	--⁴	May require acid scarification to improve germ. Hard seed. Most productive type is showy partridge pea.
Rhizoma peanuts (perennial)	Vegetatively propagated			--	25-40 bu Rhizomes/A	C: Dec-early March	Warm season perennial: soil improvement, hay, grazing	90% living sprigs	Can contain 2% other living plants		Most Varieties developed in FL. Can be high quality hay.
Sesbania		60	2,500-2,980		D/B: 20-25 lbs/A	C: May 1-June 15	Warm season perennial: wildlife, soil improvement	--	--	--⁴	Very tall growing. Grows well in poorly drained areas. Considered a weed pest in GA.
Sweetclover		60	16,000		D/B: 10-15 lbs/A (scarified)⁶	LV/P: Sept. 1-Oct. 10	Cool season biennial: grazing, hay, soil improvement	80	99	.5%	Used primarily for soil improvements and a crop for honey production.
Vetch common (hybrids)		60	600-1,000		D/B: 15-25 lbs/A⁶	P: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 C: Sept. 15-Nov. 1	Cool season annual: grazing, wildlife, soil improvement	80	98	.25%	New hybrid varieties have shown poor winter hardiness. Produces growth and seed earlier than hairy. Res. to many nematodes.
hairy		60	1,000-1,250		D/B: 20-30 lbs/A⁶	LV/P: Sept. 1-Oct. 15 C: Sept. 15-Nov. 1	Cool season annual: grazing, wildlife, soil improvement	80	98	.25%	A cold hardy vetch. Poor reseeder and susceptible to nematodes.


Winter peas (Austrian)		60	100-300		D/B: 30-35 lbs/A	S: Sept. 1-Oct. 30	Cool season annual: soil improvement, wildlife	80	98	.1%	Growth period similar to vetch. Commonly used for soil improvement.
OTHER Buckwheat		48	1,275-1,500		D/B: 30-60 lbs/A	S: Apr. 15-June 15	Warm season annual: forb, grain, wildlife, soil improvement	--	--	--⁴	A short season crop. Good for honey production.
Chufa		44	varies		D: 25-35 lbs/A (12" R) B: 50-60 lbs/A	C: May 15-June 30	Warm season perennial: sedge, wildlife	--	--	--⁴	Should be planted in sandy textured soils. Very similar to nutsedge.
Sesame		46	8,000-11,000		D: 1 lb/A in 36" Rows	C: May 1-June 15	Warm season annual: forb, wildlife, oil, seed crop, human consumption	--	--	--⁴	Also known as "orobenne." Most varieties shatter readily. Require 90-120 days to maturity.
Sunflowers		30	350-400		18,000-22,000	C/P: April-June	Warm season feed, wildlife	85	97	.2	Use oil types for wildlife food plots.

1	Bu = 4/5 cu. ft.
2	Soil temps should be 65^°F.
3	No certified standards apply. Minimum requirements are State Seed Laws only.
4	No minimum requirements. For sale, must have germ, purity and weed seed % on tag.
5	Legumes require rhizobium bacteria for nitrogen fixation. Use the appropriate inoculant.
6	Reduce rate by 1/3-2/3 if mixing with a grass or other legume.
7	Plant small seeded legumes and grasses 0-1/4" deep. Other legumes 1/4-1/2" deep. Small grains and large seeded legumes such as lupine should be planted 3/4 -1" deep.
8	LV = Limestone Valley & Mountains P = Piedmont C = Coastal Plains S = Statewide
This chart is to be used as a guide and does not replace the need to obtain additional information for good management practices. Consult current performance bulletins for variety yield data. As always use certified seed to assure good germination, trueness to variety and freedom from noxious weeds.

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