When To Plant Sunflowers In Texas For Doves

If you want to attract doves to your Texas property, planting sunflowers is one of the best strategies you can use. Knowing exactly when to plant sunflowers in Texas for doves is the key to having a successful food plot ready for hunting season.

Getting the timing right ensures the seeds are mature and drying down when dove season opens. This guide gives you the simple, practical steps to make it happen.

This heading is your golden rule. Planting at the correct time is more important than any other factor. If you plant to early, the seeds may shatter and be gone before season. If you plant to late, the seeds won’t be mature.

Understanding Texas Growing Regions

Texas has several major growing regions, and your location changes your planting date. The state is so big that weather varies a lot.

North Texas: This includes areas like the Panhandle, Lubbock, and Wichita Falls. Winters are colder, and the growing season is shorter.
Central Texas: This region covers Austin, Waco, and the Hill Country. It has a long, hot growing season with reliable rainfall in some parts.
South Texas: This is the prime dove hunting area, including San Antonio, the Coastal Plains, and the Rio Grande Valley. It has a very long, hot season and often suffers from drought.
East Texas: This humid, high-rainfall area includes Tyler and Lufkin. The soil and climate are different from the rest of the state.

Optimal Planting Dates by Region

Here are the best times to get your sunflower seeds in the ground. These dates target a mature, drying seed head by early September.

North Texas: Aim for late May to mid-June. Waiting until the soil is warm is crucial for good germination.
Central Texas: The ideal window is mid-June to early July. This timing avoids early summer weeds and uses summer rains.
South Texas: Plant from late June through mid-July. In dry years, you may need to wait for a rain forecast.
East Texas: Shoot for early to late June. The higher rainfall means you need to manage weeds aggressively.

Why This Timing Works for Doves

Doves need bare ground and easy access to small, hard seeds. A sunflower plot that’s too green or still flowering when season opens is useless. By planting in early summer, you give the plants 60-90 days to grow, flower, and for the seeds to fully develop and start to dry. This creates the perfect feeding zone doves love.

Choosing the Right Sunflower Variety

Not all sunflowers are created equal for dove hunting. You want varieties that produce lots of small-to-medium seeds. Doves prefer these over the large, striped confectionery seeds.

Black Oil Sunflowers: This is the #1 choice. They have small, nutrient-rich seeds with thin shells, which are perfect for doves. They’re also resilient and grow well in tough Texas soils.
Dove Hybrid Mixes: Many seed companies sell mixes specifically labeled for dove fields. These often combine black oil sunflowers with other dove-attracting plants like millet or sorghum.
Avoid Giant Varieties: While impressive, giant sunflowers often have fewer heads per acre and larger seeds that are less prefered by doves.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps for a healthy, attractive sunflower plot.

1. Site Selection and Preparation

Pick a sunny, open area at least an acre in size if possible. Doves are wary and prefer open spaces where they can see threats. Clear the land of all existing vegetation. You can till it or use a herbicide. A clean seedbed is essential so young sunflower seedlings don’t have to compete with weeds.

2. Soil Testing and Fertilization

Take a soil sample to your local county extension office. Sunflowers are not heavy feeders, but they do need phosphorus for good seed development. Follow the test recommendations. A general rule is to apply a balanced fertilizer (like 13-13-13) at planting to get them started.

3. Planting Method

You can drill the seeds or broadcast them.

Drilling: This is the best method. Plant seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep in rows spaced 15-30 inches apart. This uses seed efficiently and makes weed control easier.
Broadcasting: If you don’t have a drill, broadcast seed evenly and lightly drag the field with a harrow or chain to cover them. You will use more seed and may have more weeds.

The seeding rate is about 5-7 pounds per acre for drilled seed, or 10-15 pounds per acre for broadcast.

4. Early Care and Weed Control

The first few weeks are critical. If weeds take over, your sunflowers will fail. You can cultivate between rows if you planted in rows. For broadcast plots, mowing early weeds might be necessary once sunflowers are tall enough. After sunflowers are about 2 feet tall, they shade out most weeds on their own.

Managing Your Plot for Hunting Success

Growing the sunflowers is only half the battle. You need to prepare the field for opening day.

Scout for Maturity: In late August, check your seed heads. The back of the head will turn from green to yellow-brown, and seeds should be plump but hard.
Create Bare Ground: Doves won’t land in thick vegetation. Before season, mow or bush-hog strips through the field. This gives doves landing zones and makes the seeds easier to find.
Provide Water: If you have a pond or small water source near the field, you’ve created a perfect dove habitat. They need to drink daily, especially in the Texas heat.
Leave Some Standing: Don’t mow the entire field flat. Leave plenty of standing sunflowers for cover and perching. The combination of standing stalks and mowed strips is ideal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced hunters can make these errors.

Planting Too Early: This leads to early seed shatter. The seeds will be on the ground and eaten by other birds long before season.
Using the Wrong Seed: Big, fancy garden sunflowers won’t attract as many doves.
Neglecting Weed Control: Weeds in the first month will choke out your crop.
Forgetting to Mow Strips: A dense, unmowed field is very difficult for doves to use.

FAQ: Sunflowers for Texas Dove Hunting

What is the absolute latest I can plant sunflowers for doves in Central Texas?

In a good year with late rains, you might get away with planting by July 10th. However, aiming for late June is much safer and will produce a more reliable crop.

Can I just broadcast seed without tilling?

You can, but results are often poor. Weeds will outcompete the sunflowers, and germination rates will be lower. Proper seedbed preparation is highly recommended for a thick, healthy stand.

How long does it take sunflowers to mature?

Most black oil sunflowers used for doves mature in 60 to 90 days, depending on the variety and weather conditions. Always check the seed packet for the “days to maturity” spec.

What other plants can I mix with sunflowers for doves?

Brown-top millet, proso millet, and grain sorghum (milo) are excellent companions. They mature around the same time and provide additional food sources that doves enjoy. You can plant them in separate blocks or in a mix.

Do I need to irrigate my sunflower plot?

In South and West Texas, irrigation may be necessary for good growth if you don’t get timely rains. In Central and East Texas, summer rains often provide enough moisture, but dry spells can hurt the crop.

By following this guide and hitting the correct planting window for your region, you can grow an excellent sunflower food plot. This will significantly increase your chances for a successful dove hunt right here in Texas. Remember, its all about timing, preparation, and creating the right environment for the birds.