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.
These lists are to be used as a guide and do 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.
As always use certified seed to assure good germination, trueness to variety and freedom from noxious weeds. 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 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.
To view the information below in table format, download the PDF.
Grasses
Bahia
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 42
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 10,300-17,000
Seeding Rate:
- Broadcast/Drill: 10-15 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Coastal Plains: First frost free day
Growth Type:
- Warm season perennial: grazing
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 85
- Minimum Purity %: 95
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: See for more info. Bahiagrass may become a pest in hybrid bermudagrass fields.
Barley
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 48
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 850
Seeding Rate:
- Broadcast: 2.5-3 bu/A
- Drill: 2-2.5 bu/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Sept. 1 - Oct. 15
- Piedmont: Sept. 1 - Oct. 15
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: silage
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 85
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 10/lb
Remarks: Not well adapted to Coastal Plains. Very sensitive to acid soils.
Bermudagrass
Well suited for conservation. See for more info. Use certified varieties.
Common (hulled)
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 40
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 99,000-120,000
Seeding Rate:
- Broadcast/Drill: 5-10 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: May 15 - July 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season perennial: hay, grazing
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: --4
- Minimum Purity %: --4
- Maximum Weed Seed: --4
Hybrid
Seeding Rate:
- Broadcast/Drill: 15-20 bu/A
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 1,000 sprigs/ bu1
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Feb. 20 - Aug. 15
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 90 (living sprigs)
- Minimum Purity % / Maximum Weed Seed: Can contain 2% other living plants.
Corn
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 56
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 80-140
Seeding Rate: 18,000-32,000 seed/A in rows
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Apr. 1 - May 10
- Piedmont: Apr. 1 - Apr. 20
- Coastal Plains: Mar. 1 - Apr. 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season annual: silage, feed
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 90
- Minimum Purity %: 99
- Maximum Weed Seed: None
Remarks: Produces top quality silage. Narrow rows (30") improve yields.
Tall Fescue
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 20
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 11,000-14,500
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 10-15 lb/A
- Broadcast: 15-20 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Sept. 1 - Oct. 15
- Piedmont: Sept. 1 - Oct. 15
Growth Type:
- Cool season perennial: hay, grazing
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: Use low endophyte varieties only.
Dallisgrass
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 17,500- 21,250
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 12-15 lb/A
- Broadcast: 15-20 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Feb. 15-Mar. 30
Growth Type:
- Warm season perennial: grazing
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 50
- Minimum Purity %: 40
- Maximum Weed Seed: 1%
Remarks: Produces 65-75% as much dry matter as bahiagrass. Difficult to establish.
Johnsongrass
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 40
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 8,250
Seeding Rate: 15-20 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Apr. - July
Growth Type:
- Warm season perennial: grazing, hay, silage
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 90
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.1%
Remarks: Is a serious weed pest in GA. Should not be planted for use -- is a noxious weed.
Millet
Browntop
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 56
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 5,000-8,900
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 10-20 lb/A
- Broadcast: 20-25 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: May 1 - Aug. 1
- Piedmont: Apr. 1 - Aug. 1
- Coastal: Apr. 1 - Aug. 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season annual: hay, wildlife
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 60
- Minimum Purity %: 90
- Maximum Weed Seed: 10%3
Remarks: Matures in 60-80 days.
Foxtail (German, common, Hungarian)
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 50
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 11,500-15,500
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 15-20 lb/A
- Broadcast: 20-25 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: May 1 - Aug. 1
- Piedmont: Apr. 1 - Aug. 1
- Coastal: Apr. 1 - Aug. 15
Growth Type: wildlife, hay
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 90
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.25%
Remarks: Matures in 75-90 days.
Japanese
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 35
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 9,000-9,500
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 15-20 lb/A
- Broadcast: 20-25 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: May 1 - Aug. 1
- Piedmont: Apr. 1 - Aug. 1
- Coastal: Apr. 1 - Aug. 15
Growth Type: wildlife
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.25%
Remarks: Very similar to barnyard grass. Seed matures in approx. 60 days. Good feed for ducks.
Pearl
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 50
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 5,100-5,400
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 12-15 lb/A
- Broadcast: 25-30 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Coastal: Apr. 1 - July 15
Growth Type: grazing, hay, human consumption, wildlife, feed
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.25%
Remarks: Planted in April should be ready to graze in 40 days. Production for 80 to 100 days.
Proso
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 56
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 3,750-5,000
Seeding Rate:
- Rows: 10-20 lb/A
- Broadcast: 20-25 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: May 1 - Aug. 1
- Piedmont: Apr. 1 - Aug. 1
- Coastal: Apr. 1 - Aug. 15
Growth Type: wildlife
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.25%
Remarks: Matures in 60-75 days.
Oats
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 32
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 1,000-1,425
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 3-4 bu/A
- Broadcast: 4 bu/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Sept. 1 - Oct. 15
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: grazing, silage, hay
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 85
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 10/lb
Remarks: Used primarily as a companion crop with clover and other grass.
Orchardgrass
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 14
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 23,500-29,800
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 10-15 lb/A
- Broadcast: 2-5 bu/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Sept. 1 - Oct. 15
Growth Type:
- Cool season perennial: grazing
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 85
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: Best suited to the mountain regions of GA.
Rye
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 56
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 1,135
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 2-2.5 bu/A
- Broadcast: 2-5 bu/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Sept. 1 - Oct. 15
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: hay, grazing
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 10/lb
Remarks: Used mainly for grazing or green mature. Cut for silage in heading stage.
Rye grass
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 20
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 11,225-12,500
Seeding Rate:
- Broadcast: 20-30 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Sept. 1 - Oct. 15
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: hay, grazing
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 70
- Minimum Purity %: 90
- Maximum Weed Seed: 10%3
Remarks: Reduce seeding rate if used in conjunction with small grain and clover.
Sorghum
Grain
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 56
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 800-1,500
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 6-8 lb/A
- Broadcast: 10-12 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: May 15 - July 12
- Piedmont: May 1 - July 1
- Coastal Plains: April 15 - July 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season annual: silage, feed
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.1%
Remarks: Plant when soil temp. is above 65°F.
Forage
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 56
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 1,000-2,250
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 6-8 lb/A, 4-5 seed/ft
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: May 1 - July 12
- Piedmont: May 1 - July 1
- Coastal Plains: April 15 - July 1
Growth Type:
- green chop, silage
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.1%
Remarks: Thick spacing increases lodging. Use wide rows.
Sweet
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 50
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 1,000-2,250
Seeding Rate:
- Rows: 2-3 seed/ft (3-5 lb/A)
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Late April - May 152
Growth Type:
- human consumption
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.1%
Remarks: Often called "cane."
Sudangrass
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 40
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 2,350-3,475
Seeding Rate:
- Rows: 10-15 lb/A
- Broadcast: 20-25 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains/Piedmont: May 1-Aug. 12
Growth Type:
- Warm season annual: silage, hay, grazing
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.1%
Remarks: Performs best on medium to heavy textured soils. High quality forage.
Sorghum/Sudan Hybrids
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 40
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 3,500-3,700
Seeding Rate:
- Rows: 15-20 lb/A
- Broadcast: 25-30 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: May 1 - Aug. 1
- Piedmont: April 15 - Aug. 1
- Coastal Plains: April 1 - Aug. 15
Growth Type:
- silage, hay, grazing
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.1%
Remarks: A cross between forage sorghum and sudangrass. Generally out yields pearl millet.
Triticale
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 40
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 700-950
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 2 bu/A
- Broadcast: 2.5-3 bu/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Coastal Plains: Oct. 1-Nov. 15
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: grazing, feed
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 85
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 10/lb
Remarks: See current small grain performance test bulletin for variety yield results.
Wheat
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 750-1,200
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 2-2.5 bu/A
- Broadcast: 2.5 bu/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Sept. 1-Oct. 15
- Piedmont: Sept. 15-Oct. 15
- Coastal Plains: Oct. 1-Nov. 1
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: hay, grazing, feed
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 85
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 10/lb
Remarks: Excellent quality silage. See small grain performance test bulletin for variety yield results. Use Hessian fly resistant cultivars.
Legumes5 7
.
Alfalfa
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 13,500-14,500
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 18-25 lb/A Use higher rate for Broadcast.
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Aug. 25 - Sept. 10
- Piedmont: Sept. 1 - Oct. 10
- Coastal Plains: Sept. 20 - Oct. 20
Growth Type:
- Cool season perennial: grazing, hay
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 99
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: See . Correct soil acidity prior to seeding. Harvest at early bloom stage.
Beggarweed (Florida)
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 12,500-14,000
Seeding Rate:
- Drill/Broadcast: 10-12 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Coastal Plains: April 15 - June 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season perennial: grazing, hay, wildlife
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: --
- Minimum Purity %: --
- Maximum Weed Seed: --4
Remarks: Usually lives as an annual in GA. Considered to be a serious weed pest.
Birdsfoot trefoil
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 23,000-24,000
Seeding Rate:
- Drill/Broadcast: 6-12 lb/A6
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains/Piedmont: Sept. 1 - Oct. 10
Growth Type:
- Cool season perennial: grazing, hay
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: Offers good grazing when mixed with tall fescue or orchardgrass. Natural reseeding.
Caley pea (rough/winter)
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 53
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 950-1,135
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 20-25 lb/A
- Broadcast: 25-30 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Sept. 1 - Oct. 30
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: wildlife, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: --
- Minimum Purity %: --
- Maximum Weed Seed: --4
Remarks: Seed are poisonous to cattle. Grows well on heavy textured soils of moderate acidity.
Clover
Alyce
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 17,000-18,875
Seeding Rate:
- Drill/Broadcast: 15-20 lb/A6
Approximate Planting Date:
- Coastal Plains: May 1 - June 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season annual: grazing, hay, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 99
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: Best suited to extreme south Georgia.
Arrowleaf
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 45,500-55,000
Seeding Rate:
- Drill/Broadcast: 5-8 lb/A6 (scarified)
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Aug. 25 - Sept. 10
- Piedmont: Sept. 1 - Sept. 20
- Coastal Plains: Sept. 10 - Oct. 10
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: grazing, hay
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 85
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: Provides grazing till late May or early June.
Berseem
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 12,000-13,000
Seeding Rate:
- Drill/Broadcast: 15-20 lb/A6
Approximate Planting Date:
- Coastal Plains: Oct. 1 - Nov. 1
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: grazing
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 85
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: Best suited to south GA.
Crimson
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 8,750-9,500
Seeding Rate:
- Drill/Broadcast: 20-30 lb/A6
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Aug. 25 - Sept. 10
- Piedmont: Sept. 1 - Sept. 20
- Coastal Plains: Sept. 10 - Oct. 10
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: grazing, hay, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 99
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: Most productive from late Feb. to mid-April.
Red
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 16,000-17,000
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 8-10 lb/A
- Broadcast: 12-15 lb/A6
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains/Piedmont: Sept. 1 - Oct. 15
Growth Type:
- Cool season perennial: grazing, hay
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 85
- Minimum Purity %: 99
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.25%
Remarks: Usually does not persist more than 2-3 years. Excellent grazing when mixed with tall fescue and orchardgrass.
Subterranean
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 3,375-4,125
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 8-10 lb/A6
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Sept. 1 - Oct. 10
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: grazing, hay
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 85
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: A good reseeding plant. Can be maintained in permanent grass sods where properly managed.
White (ladino)
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 42,000-55,000
Seeding Rate:
- Drill/Broadcast: 2-4 lb/A6
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Sept. 1 - Oct. 15
Growth Type:
- Cool season perennial: grazing, hay
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 85
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: Does best on moist, upland land soils. Widely used in overseeding fescue pastures. .
Cowpea
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 125-375
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 60 lb/A
- Broadcast: 60-90 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: May 1 - June 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season annual: grazing, hay, wildlife, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.1%
Remarks: Does best on well drained fertile soil. Many cultivars reseed. Used mostly for wildlife, soil improvement.
Lespedeza
Kobe (common)
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 25-30
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 11,000-21,000
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 15-20 lb/A
- Broadcast: 20-30 lb/A (scarified)
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains/Piedmont: Feb. 15 - Mar. 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season annual: hay, grazing, wildlife
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 1%
Remarks: Also known as striate. Not suited for sandy soils. Seed yields higher when no hay is harvested.
Korean
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 42-45
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 14,885
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 15-20 lb/A
- Broadcast: 20-30 lb/A (scarified)
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains/Piedmont: Feb. 15 - Mar. 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season annual: hay, grazing, wildlife, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 1%
Remarks: Not suited for sandy soils. Seed yield higher when no hay is harvested.
Sericea
Pounds of Seed/Bu:
- Unhulled: 35
- Hulled: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 21,875-23,250
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 15-20 lb/A6
- Broadcast: 20-30 lb/A (scarified)
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Mar. 15 - Apr. 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season perennial: hay, grazing, wildlife, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 1%
Remarks: Use an herbicide to control competitive weeds. For hay, harvest in mature growth. May be used for conservation purposes.
Bicolor
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 4,875-5,300
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 8-10 lb/A (30-36" rows) (scarified)
- Live plants: 10,000/36" rows
Approximate Planting Date:
- Piedmont/Coastal Plains: Mar. 1 - May 1
Growth Type:
- Warm season perennial: wildlife
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 1%
Remarks: Use wide rows. Shrub must be managed to prevent unwanted growth. Excellent cover and food for wildlife.
Thunbergii
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 2,800-4,200
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 8-10 lb/A (30-36" rows) (scarified)
- Live plants: 10,000/36" rows
Approximate Planting Date:
- Piedmont/Coastal Plains: Mar. 1 - May 1
Growth Type:
- Warm season perennial: wildlife
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 1%
Remarks: Use wide rows. Shrub must be managed to prevent unwanted growth. Excellent cover and food for wildlife.
Lupine (blue, white)
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 65-200 (white usually has larger seed than blue)
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 60-90 lb/A
- Broadcast: 75-100 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Sept. 15 - 30
- Piedmont: Sept. 15 - Oct. 15
- Coastal Plains: Oct. 15 - Nov. 15
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: hay, grazing, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.3%
Remarks: Adapted best to sandy, loam soils. Only sweet varieties are suitable for grazing.
Partridge Pea
Pounds of Seed/Bu: --
Approximate Seeds/Oz: --
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 5-10 lb/A
- Broadcast: 15-20 lb/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Piedmont/Coastal Plains: Mar. 1 - May 1
Growth Type:
- Warm season annual: wildlife
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: --
- Minimum Purity %: --
- Maximum Weed Seed: --4
Remarks: May require acid scarification to improve germ. Hard seed. Most productive type is showy partridge pea.
Rhizoma peanuts (perennial)
Pounds of Seed/Bu: Vegetatively propagated
Approximate Seeds/Oz: --
Seeding Rate: 25-40 bu Rhizomes/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Coastal Plains: Dec - Early March
Growth Type:
- Warm season perennial: soil improvement, hay, grazing
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 90% living sprigs
- Minimum Purity %: --
- Maximum Weed Seed: Can contain 2% other living plants
Remarks: Most varieties developed in FL. Can be high quality hay.
Sesbania
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 2,500-2,980
Seeding Rate: 20-25 lbs/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Coastal Plains: May 1-June 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season perennial: wildlife, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: —
- Minimum Purity %: —
- Maximum Weed Seed: — 4
Remarks: Very tall growing. Grows well in poorly drained areas. Considered a weed pest in GA.
Sweetclover
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 16,000
Seeding Rate: 10-15 lbs/A (scarified) 6
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Sept. 1-Oct. 10
- Piedmont: Sept. 1-Oct. 10
Growth Type:
- Cool season biennial: grazing, hay, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 99
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.5%
Remarks: Used primarily for soil improvements and a crop for honey production.
Vetch - common (hybrids)
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 600-1,000
Seeding Rate: 15-25 lbs/A 6
Approximate Planting Date:
- Piedmont: Sept. 1-Oct. 15
- Coastal Plains: Sept. 15-Nov. 1
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: grazing, wildlife, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.25%
Remarks: New hybrid varieties have shown poor winter hardiness. Produces growth and seed earlier than hairy. Res. to many nematodes.
Vetch - hairy
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 1,000-1,250
Seeding Rate: 20-30 lbs/A 6
Approximate Planting Date:
- Limestone Valley and Mountains: Sept. 1-Oct. 15
- Piedmont: Sept. 1-Oct. 15
- Coastal Plains: Sept. 15-Nov. 1
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: grazing, wildlife, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.25%
Remarks: A cold hardy vetch. Poor reseeder and susceptible to nematodes.
Winter peas (Austrian)
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 60
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 100-300
Seeding Rate: 30-35 lbs/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Sept. 1-Oct. 30
Growth Type:
- Cool season annual: soil improvement, wildlife
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 80
- Minimum Purity %: 98
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.1%
Remarks: Growth period similar to vetch. Commonly used for soil improvement.
Other crops
Buckwheat
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 48
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 1,275-1,500
Seeding Rate: 30-60 lbs/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Statewide: Apr. 15-June 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season annual: forb, grain, wildlife, soil improvement
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: —
- Minimum Purity %: —
- Maximum Weed Seed: — 4
Remarks: A short season crop. Good for honey production.
Chufa
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 44
Approximate Seeds/Oz: varies
Seeding Rate:
- Drill: 25-35 lbs/A(12” R)
- Broadcast: 50-60 lbs/A
Approximate Planting Date:
- Coastal Plains: May 15-June 30
Growth Type:
- Warm season perennial: sedge, wildlife
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: —
- Minimum Purity %: —
- Maximum Weed Seed: — 4
Remarks: Should be planted in sandy textured soils. Very similar to nutsedge.
Sesame
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 46
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 8,000-11,000
Seeding Rate: Drill: 1 lb/A in 36” Rows
Approximate Planting Date:
- Coastal Plains: May 1-June 15
Growth Type:
- Warm season annual: forb, wildlife, oil, seed crop, human consumption
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: —
- Minimum Purity %: —
- Maximum Weed Seed: — 4
Remarks: Also known as “orobenne.” Most varieties shatter readily. Require 90-120 days to maturity.
Sunflowers
Pounds of Seed/Bu: 30
Approximate Seeds/Oz: 350-400
Seeding Rate: 18,000-22,000
Approximate Planting Date:
- Piedmont: April-June
- Coastal Plains: April-June
Growth Type:
- Warm season feed, wildlife
Certified Seed Quality:
- Minimum Germ %: 85
- Minimum Purity %: 97
- Maximum Weed Seed: 0.2
Remarks: 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.
Status and Revision History
In Review for Minor Revisions on Feb 12, 2009
In Review on Jan 05, 2010
Published on Jan 22, 2010
Published with Full Review on Jan 28, 2013
Published with Full Review on Apr 11, 2017
Published with Minor Revisions on Jul 06, 2017
Published with Minor Revisions on Dec 13, 2018