How to Grow Sesame for Doves

Doves are attracted to the taste of sesame seeds, so if you are looking for a way to lure the doves in your neighborhood to your home, tempt them with this treat. Sesame seeds contain natural oils that make them more flavorful than other types of bird feed. Whether you are a professional birdwatcher, hunter or just enjoy having doves around to look at and listen to, you can gain the doves' attention by growing sesame for them to eat.

Things You'll Need

  • Sesame seeds
  • Soil thermometer
  • Fertilizer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the temperature of the soil where you want to plant the sesame. According to Purdue University, sesame growth is the best when the temperature is between 77 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Climates that are cooler reduce the growth success. The outside temperature impacts the temperature of the soil, however if the soil is warmer than the outside air temperature, you can still plant the seeds.

    • 2

      Plant the seeds in rows that are spaced three feet apart. This allows more than enough room for the plants to adequately grow without their comprehensive root systems interfering with one another. A three-foot spacing also allows for doves to have enough room to swoop down to pick at the pods that are produced from the plant.

    • 3

      Plant the seeds for the sesame in well-fertilized soil that is pre-watered. Water the seeds twice a week for two weeks, and you will start to see the seeds germinate around the two-week mark.

    • 4

      Collect the pods once they start to form on the plant. The pods contain the seeds inside of them. Some doves will collect the pods and pick at them to get to the seeds, but you can also help them out with this process by opening up the pods and leaving them open in the garden or emptying the seeds into a bowl for the birds.