What is the Best Thing to Plant for Doves?
The best thing to plant for doves depends on your specific goals, but sunflowers consistently rank as the top choice among wildlife managers and hunters. Doves are primarily granivorous birds that feed on small seeds, making certain plants particularly attractive to these game birds. Understanding dove feeding preferences is crucial for successful dove management, whether you're planning for hunting season or simply want to attract these birds to your property.
Doves prefer seeds that are small enough to swallow whole, typically ranging from 1-4mm in diameter. The most effective dove plants produce abundant, easily accessible seeds that ripen during dove season (September through January in most areas).
Top Plants for Attracting Doves
Sunflowers: The Ultimate Dove Magnet
Sunflowers stand out as the best thing to plant for doves for several compelling reasons:
- High seed production: A single sunflower head can produce 1,000-2,000 seeds
- Perfect seed size: Seeds are ideal for dove consumption
- Extended feeding period: Seeds remain available for months
- Easy cultivation: Grows in most soil types and climates
Best sunflower varieties for doves:
- Mammoth Grey Stripe
- Black Oil Sunflower
- Peredovik
- Striped Sunflower
Plant sunflowers in late spring (May-June) for optimal dove season timing. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows, allowing 30-36 inches between rows.
Grain Sorghum (Milo): The Reliable Choice
Grain sorghum ranks as the second-best option for dove food plots. This drought-tolerant crop produces abundant small seeds that doves readily consume.
Advantages of grain sorghum:
- Excellent drought tolerance
- High seed production per acre
- Seeds remain on plant longer than other crops
- Grows well in poor soils
Recommended varieties:
- White seeded varieties (preferred by doves)
- Combine Kafir-60
- Atlas Sorghum
Plant sorghum 2-3 weeks after sunflowers to stagger seed availability throughout dove season.
Browntop Millet: The Early Season Producer
Browntop millet serves as an excellent early-season dove food, typically ready 60-70 days after planting.
Benefits include:
- Quick maturation
- High palatability
- Excellent for early dove season
- Grows well in marginal soils
Plant browntop millet in late June to early July for September dove season availability.
Regional Considerations for Dove Plants
Southern United States
In southern regions, consider these additional options:
- Dove proso millet: Excellent for hot, dry conditions
- Sesame: Produces oil-rich seeds doves love
- Croton: Native plant that produces abundant small seeds
Northern Regions
Colder climates benefit from:
- Buckwheat: Quick-growing with attractive seeds
- Foxtail millet: Cold-tolerant with high seed production
- Annual ryegrass: Provides both seeds and green browse
Western Areas
Arid western regions should focus on:
- Drought-tolerant sorghum varieties
- Desert sunflowers
- Native grass species
Planting Strategies for Maximum Dove Attraction
Plot Size and Layout
Effective dove food plots typically range from 1-5 acres, depending on your property size and objectives. Consider these layout principles:
- Edge effect: Plant along field edges and fence rows
- Water proximity: Locate plots within 1/4 mile of water sources
- Flight patterns: Position plots along natural dove flight corridors
- Multiple plots: Create several smaller plots rather than one large area
Timing Your Plantings
Spring plantings (March-May):
- Sunflowers
- Grain sorghum
- Sesame
Summer plantings (June-July):
- Browntop millet
- Dove proso millet
- Buckwheat
Fall plantings (August-September):
- Winter wheat
- Annual ryegrass
- Crimson clover
Soil Preparation and Management
Proper soil preparation significantly impacts plant success:
- Soil testing: Test pH and nutrient levels
- Fertilization: Apply based on soil test recommendations
- Seedbed preparation: Create a firm, smooth seedbed
- Weed control: Manage competing vegetation
Native Plants That Attract Doves
Naturally Occurring Dove Foods
Incorporating native plants provides sustainable, long-term dove habitat:
Common native dove foods:
- Ragweed (Ambrosia species)
- Smartweed (Polygonum species)
- Panic grass (Panicum species)
- Sedges (Carex species)
- Wild sunflower (Helianthus species)
Benefits of Native Plant Integration
- Minimal maintenance: Once established, native plants require little care
- Wildlife diversity: Attracts other beneficial wildlife
- Soil conservation: Prevents erosion and improves soil health
- Cost-effective: Reduces long-term management costs
Creating a Year-Round Dove Habitat
Seasonal Food Plot Rotation
Develop a rotation system to provide consistent food sources:
Early Season (September):
- Browntop millet
- Early sunflowers
- Buckwheat
Mid-Season (October-November):
- Grain sorghum
- Main sunflower crop
- Dove proso millet
Late Season (December-January):
- Winter wheat
- Standing corn
- Unharvested sorghum
Water and Cover Requirements
Doves need more than just food to thrive:
Water sources:
- Shallow ponds or tanks
- Dripping water systems
- Natural streams or creeks
Cover requirements:
- Roosting trees (pine, oak, cedar)
- Nesting habitat (dense shrubs, trees)
- Escape cover near feeding areas
Cost-Effective Dove Food Plot Management
Budget-Friendly Options
Low-cost seed sources:
- Agricultural co-ops
- Bulk wildlife seed suppliers
- End-of-season sales
Money-saving tips:
- Share equipment with neighbors
- Plant smaller, well-managed plots
- Focus on high-producing varieties
- Utilize existing field edges
Equipment Needs
Basic equipment for dove food plots:
- Disc or tiller for soil preparation
- Broadcast seeder or drill
- Cultipacker or roller
- Basic hand tools
Legal Considerations and Regulations
Hunting Regulations
When planting for dove hunting, understand local regulations:
- Baiting laws: Ensure compliance with federal and state baiting regulations
- Hunting seasons: Plan plantings to coincide with legal hunting periods
- Licensing requirements: Obtain proper hunting licenses and permits
Agricultural Compliance
For agricultural properties:
- CRP programs: Coordinate with Conservation Reserve Program requirements
- NRCS assistance: Utilize Natural Resources Conservation Service programs
- State wildlife programs: Investigate state cost-share opportunities
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides comprehensive guidelines on wildlife habitat management and hunting regulations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Planting Errors
- Wrong timing: Planting too early or late for dove season
- Poor seed selection: Choosing varieties doves don't prefer
- Inadequate plot size: Making plots too small to be effective
- Ignoring soil needs: Failing to prepare soil properly
Management Mistakes
- Lack of water: Not providing adequate water sources nearby
- Over-hunting: Pressuring birds too heavily
- Poor location: Placing plots in areas doves don't frequent
- Inconsistent management: Failing to maintain plots annually
Maximizing Your Investment
Multi-Purpose Plantings
Choose plants that serve multiple purposes:
- Sunflowers: Dove food, deer browse, soil improvement
- Grain sorghum: Dove food, quail habitat, erosion control
- Native grasses: Dove food, nesting cover, soil conservation
Long-Term Planning
Develop a 3-5 year management plan:
- Year 1: Establish primary food plots
- Year 2: Add water sources and cover
- Year 3: Expand successful plantings
- Years 4-5: Fine-tune based on results
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single best plant for doves?
Sunflowers are widely considered the best single plant for attracting doves due to their high seed production, perfect seed size, and ease of cultivation. Black oil sunflowers and mammoth grey stripe varieties are particularly effective.
When should I plant dove food plots?
Plant sunflowers and grain sorghum in late spring (May-June), and fast-growing crops like browntop millet in mid-summer (June-July) to ensure seeds are available during dove season (September-January).
How much should I plant per acre?
Planting rates vary by crop: sunflowers require 5-8 pounds per acre, grain sorghum needs 8-12 pounds per acre, and browntop millet requires 15-20 pounds per acre when broadcast seeded.
Do I need multiple food plot types?
Yes, planting multiple crop types extends the feeding period and increases dove attraction. A combination of early-maturing (millet), mid-season (sunflowers), and late-season (sorghum) crops works best.
How close to water should I plant?
Dove food plots should be within 1/4 mile of reliable water sources. Doves typically feed twice daily and need to drink regularly, especially during hot weather.
Can I plant native species for doves?
Absolutely. Native plants like wild sunflowers, ragweed, and panic grasses provide excellent dove food while requiring minimal maintenance once established. They also support overall ecosystem health.
Conclusion
The best thing to plant for doves ultimately depends on your specific location, soil conditions, and management goals. However, sunflowers consistently prove to be the most reliable and effective choice for attracting doves across most regions. By combining sunflowers with complementary crops like grain sorghum and browntop millet, you can create a diverse, season-long food source that will consistently attract doves to your property.
Successful dove habitat management requires careful planning, proper timing, and attention to the complete habitat picture including food, water, and cover. Whether you're managing land for hunting opportunities or wildlife observation, implementing these proven planting strategies will significantly increase dove activity on your property.
Start small with a well-planned plot using the recommendations in this guide, and expand your efforts based on results. With proper planning and execution, you can create productive dove habitat that provides years of enjoyment and success.