Chufa

Chufa seed is an excellent choice for planting wildlife food plots, especially for attracting and sustaining wild turkeys. A member of the sedge family, chufa produces small, nut-like tubers beneath the soil that turkeys instinctively scratch up and eat. Highly nutritious and packed with energy, chufa provides a reliable food source that supports turkey populations year-round.

Easy to grow in well-drained soils with full sun, chufa thrives in a variety of climates and is drought-resistant once established. In addition to turkeys, it also attracts deer, waterfowl, and other game birds, making it a versatile addition to any wildlife management plan.

Whether you're looking to enhance your hunting land or support local turkey populations, chufa seed is a proven, effective option for a productive and sustainable food plot.

Planting Guidelines for Chufa

1. Site Selection

• Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
• Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture.
• Chufa grows best in sandy or loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.

2. Seedbed Preparation

• Clear the area of weeds, grass, and debris.
• Disk or till the soil to a depth of 4–6 inches for good seed-to-soil contact.
• If soil pH is too low, apply lime to adjust it before planting.

3. Planting Time

• Plant when soil temperatures reach at least 65°F (late spring to early summer).
• The ideal planting window is April through July, depending on location.

4. Seeding Rate & Depth

• Broadcast or drill 40–50 lbs. of chufa seed per acre.
• Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep and cover with soil.
• For small food plots, hand-spreading followed by light disking works well.

5. Fertilization & Weed Control

• Apply 250–300 lbs. of 13-13-13 fertilizer per acre at planting.
• Use a pre-emergent herbicide to control weeds or cultivate with light disking.
• Once chufa is established, it shades out many weeds naturally.

6. Growth & Maturation

• Chufa matures in about 90–110 days.
• The plant develops grass-like foliage, but the tubers form underground.
• Turkeys will begin scratching for tubers in late summer and fall.

7. Maintenance & Wildlife Access

• To encourage turkey activity, mow or lightly disk a portion of the plot after tubers mature to expose some for easy feeding.
• Rotate planting areas every 2–3 years to maintain productivity.

By following these planting guidelines, you’ll create a highly attractive and nutritious food plot that supports wild turkeys and other wildlife throughout the year.