Cosaque Oats prefers well-drained, sandy loam. Ideal pH is between 6.0 and 6.8. They can germinate at almost any soil temperature, but it will be worth your while to avoid the coldest, wettest days. The seed can be planted between late August and February. A depth of one inch is perfect. It will take 30 lbs. of Nitrogen at planting, and apply further Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash later based on a soil test. Cosaque establishes well and tillers very well also. It is typically two weeks longer in growing than other oat varieties.

John Coley (photographed below) from Montgomery, AL planted these black oats in early December. Seeding rate was 50 lbs. oats and 5 lbs. vetch, broadcast.  He spread 2.5 tons of chicken litter and turbo tilled it in. The photo at the top of the page was taken in early May, just before planting this field into cotton. Coley, experienced with cover crops, comments “you get out of your cover crop what you put in it.” Rye has long been the standard in the South, however Cosaque may soon take the lead.