The Tortoise Forage Mix is a carefully balanced blend of native warm-season grasses and cool-season turf species, developed to meet the natural grazing needs of tortoises and other herbivorous reptiles. With a variety of textures, growth forms, and nutrient profiles, this mix creates a soft, diverse, and palatable ground cover that supports digestive health and encourages instinctive foraging behavior.

• Southern U.S. Adaptation: Performs well in hot, dry climates with variable rainfall and well-drained soils
• Safe & Nutritious: Contains only safe, low-sugar grasses suitable for grazing reptiles; avoids pasture grasses known to cause digestive issues in tortoises
• Season-Long Coverage: Warm- and cool-season species ensure continuous forage availability throughout the growing season
• Ecological Benefits: Deep-rooted native species improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and require minimal maintenance
• Diverse Palatability: Includes grasses with varied leaf textures and growth heights to stimulate natural foraging behavior

This mix includes warm-season natives like Buffalograss, Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Western Wheatgrass, and Blue Grama—combined with Bermudagrass and endophyte-free Tall Fescue for moisture-adapted coverage. Cool-season species such as Sheep Fescue, Creeping Red Fescue, and Orchardgrass support shaded areas and shoulder-season growth, extending the functional window for grazing.

Directions

Seeding Rate:
• 10–15 lb per acre for broadcast or hand-spread applications in enclosures or open grazing pens

Planting Time:
• Best planted in spring or early fall when soil temps range from 55–75 °F
• For warm-season dominance, plant in late spring; for year-round coverage, seed a mix in early fall

Soil Requirements:
• Well-drained soils preferred; tolerates sandy loam, gravelly, and compacted soils
• Requires 15″+ of annual rainfall or supplemental irrigation in arid zones

Ideal For

• Outdoor tortoise enclosures and pet habitats
• Reptile rescues, zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries
• Southern U.S. climates with hot summers and variable rainfall
• Habitat restoration projects and naturalized landscapes for reptiles

With its carefully selected species mix, the Tortoise Forage Mix creates a safe, attractive, and sustainable grazing space that mimics native forage conditions. Ideal for eco-conscious landowners, conservationists, and tortoise keepers.

Important Shipping Note

Due to legal restrictions, Bermudagrass cannot be shipped to Utah (except Washington County). If you are shipping this product to Utah, please select the “No Bermudagrass” option at checkout.

For a detailed list of seed species by weight, please contact us to request a digital copy of the seed tag.

Photos shown are of the actual mix, courtesy of David Sewart.