Montezuma oats were released by the University of California in 1967, bred from the California Composite Cross II program for early maturity and early growth. This medium-height oat holds its seed well once mature, resisting shattering in the field. It's best suited as a forage crop, whether grazed, cut and cured for hay, or turned into the soil green for a quick source of organic matter and biomass. The hulled oats also make a welcome treat for backyard chickens and turkeys.

Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, sowing seed 1.5 to 2 inches deep. For a garden planting, broadcast at roughly 1.5 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet, tamping or lightly raking to ensure good soil contact.