Alfalfa: Technical and Cultivation Guide

Why Grow Alfalfa?

Alfalfa is mainly grown to feed animals like cows, horses, and sheep because it is rich in protein and other nutrients. Besides feeding animals, it is also helpful for the soil. Alfalfa’s roots go deep into the ground and pull up nutrients while fixing nitrogen. This helps the soil stay healthy and ready for other plants.

Features

Alfalfa is a strong, useful plant grown for animals and soil health. It grows back year after year and gives many harvests in a season.

• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Flower Colors: Purple, violet
• Plant Height: 24 to 36 inches
• Planting Season: Spring or fall
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy
• Bloom Season: Late spring to summer

Uses

It is basically known to be a good animal feed, but the beneficial features of alfalfa go far beyond livestock feeding. Farmers and gardeners also regard Alfalfa for its long-term soil benefits, which lend themselves to sustainable farming practices simply by mixing the plants into composts or using them as eco-friendly mulch.

• For Animal Feed (Cattle, Goat, Horse and Sheep) Because it is high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, Alfalfa makes an ideal forage crop for many different types of livestock. It is frequently harvested and allowed to dry as hay, or simply grazed year-round.
• Good when in rotation with other crops This is because it enhances soil porosity, which makes alfalfa usually used in crop rotation systems. This makes them excellent for use prior to an application of heavy feeders like corn or wheat, and maximizes the yield potential on crop rotation in subsequent seasons.
• Helps stop soil erosion Alfalfa has long taproots that burrow deep into the ground, securing soil and protecting it against wind and water erosion, thus becoming particularly valuable for slope or open farmland conditions.
• Replenishes soil with nutrients Alfalfa can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere with its root nodules, and as such, it is sometimes used as a companion plant.
• Can be used as green mulch Alfalfa, when chopped and laid down, makes a great green mulch that inhibits weeds, holds moisture in the soil, and gradually rots to feed the earth — everything you want for an organic garden.

Growing Conditions

Alfalfa grows best when it has lots of sun and space to spread. Keep the soil loose and moist early on.

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile
• Temperature: 59°F to 86°F
• Water: Regular water until roots are deep
• Growing Season: Spring through fall

Plant Resistance

Alfalfa is tough and resists many problems, but wet soil can cause rot. Once established, Alfalfa can survive tough weather. Just make sure the soil drains well.

• Tolerates drought after roots are deep
• Resists many pests
• Susceptible to root rot in soggy soil
• Can be damaged by over-harvesting

Seed Morphology

Though tiny, alfalfa seeds contain all the essentials for promoting strong, deep-rooted leafy growth. The seeds are light and easy to store, transport, handle, and sow, much like any other small, commonly cultivated seed, even in vast agricultural settings.

• Size and Shape: Alfalfa seeds are small; they are usually kidney-shaped, which makes it easy to settle in the soil, where they get faster and more evenly.
• Color: Yellow to brown, depending on ripeness and seed types Surface Texture: The seeds are smooth and clean, so they can run in a mound regularly without getting clumped while sowing.
• 1000 Seed Weight (TSW): On average, 1,000 alfalfa seeds weigh 2.0 to 2.5 grams which provides both accurate seeding equipment calibration and ideal for hand planting.
• Seed Coat: The outer layer is thin and tough to protect the seed from conditions during dormancy and early germination but which still readily absorbs water (imbibes) during germination.

Germination Requirements

Alfalfa seeds germinate best when planted in warm, well-drained soil with light, consistent moisture. The ideal soil temperature is between 59°F–77°F. Seeds do not require soaking or pre-treatment, making them easy to direct sow in fields or garden beds.

• Optimal Temperature: 64°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C)
• Light for Germination: Not needed
• Moisture: Keep soil lightly moist
• Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.5
• Pre-Germination Treatment: Not required

Seed Viability and Vigor

Healthy alfalfa seeds can remain viable for several years if stored properly. These seeds are known for their strong germination potential, typically ranging between 80% to 90%, depending on the age and storage conditions. Seed vigor ensures that young seedlings establish quickly and grow into healthy, productive plants.

• Germination Rate: 80% to 90% under proper conditions
• Viability Duration: 4 to 5 years when stored correctly
• Seed Type: Orthodox—meaning they remain viable longer under cool, dry storage
• Testing: Use standard germination tests to check viability before planting each season

Choosing high-quality seeds and storing them properly ensures your planting efforts lead to strong, resilient crops year after year.

Propagation and Sowing

Alfalfa is typically propagated by direct seeding, which means planting the seeds straight into the ground—no need to start them indoors or use special equipment. This method makes alfalfa an easy crop for both beginners and experienced growers.

• Method: Direct sow
• Sowing Depth: 1/4 inch
• Spacing: Close together
• Germination Time: 7 to 10 days
• Days to Maturity: 60 to 70 days
• Transplanting: Not needed

Planting Information

Planting alfalfa correctly helps it grow strong and last long. You don’t need much to plant alfalfa—just some space, light watering, and proper timing.

• Planting Season: Spring or early fall
• Seed Preparation: No soaking needed
• Planting Depth: 1/4 inch
• Water Needs: Keep moist until sprouts grow
• Spacing: 1/4 to 1/2 inch apart
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3 to 9

Disease and Pest Resistance

While alfalfa is generally a hardy and resilient crop, it still needs the right conditions and care to stay healthy throughout the growing season. With proper prevention, growers can avoid many of the most common issues that affect this valuable plant.

Common Issues:

• Root Rot: Often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Excess water deprives roots of oxygen, leading to decay and reduced plant vigor.
• Aphids and Leafhoppers: These small insects feed on sap, weakening plants and potentially spreading diseases like alfalfa mosaic virus.
• Fungal Leaf Spots: Moist, crowded conditions can lead to fungal infections that cause brown or black spots on leaves, reducing photosynthesis and plant health.
• Stem and Crown Rots: In wet or compacted soil, pathogens like Phytophthora and Fusarium can attack the base of the plant.

Prevention Tips:

• Ensure Good Drainage: Use soil with proper structure and avoid low spots where water collects. Raised beds or slight slopes can help.
• Avoid Overwatering: Especially once plants are established. Deep, infrequent watering encourages stronger root growth and reduces fungal risk.
• Encourage Air Circulation: Don’t overcrowd your plantings. Allow space between rows to reduce humidity and fungal growth.
• Choose Resistant Varieties: Many alfalfa seed strains are bred to resist common diseases and pests. Opt for these if problems are common in your region.
• Practice Crop Rotation: Don’t grow alfalfa in the same spot every year. Rotating with other crops breaks pest and disease cycles.
• Timely Harvesting: Regular, well-timed cutting prevents overgrowth, limits pest habitats, and keeps the stand healthy.

By following these strategies, growers can enjoy a vigorous and productive alfalfa crop with fewer setbacks from pests and disease.

From Seed to Harvest

Raising alfalfa from seed to a mature, productive crop is not difficult, but timing and management are crucial to realizing the full potential of your stand. Years after its establishment, this perennial legume will have a quick time of establishment as it grows into maturity in a few months and allows the farmer multiple harvests.

Germination and Early Growth:

When planted in warm, well-drained soil, alfalfa seeds begin to germinate within seven to 10 days. The young seedlings establish a deep taproot rapidly, which is the base for their drought tolerance for their entire life. For the first 6 to 8 weeks, the plant invests in building its root reserves, not the top growth — this is an important period if you are a nature lover with a long view.

First Harvest:

Alfalfa requires 60–70 days from planting to reach its first cutting stage under optimal conditions. Harvest occurs at just the right time of 10% bloom, lending the highest protein content and regrowing power!

Subsequent Harvests:

Established stands of alfalfa can be harvested 3 to 5 times during each growing season, depending on climate and stand management practices. So shut it down completely for about a month before you allow your vine to be stripped back of the leaves again. Do not mow too to the ground, always leave 2-3 inches of stubble in order to preserve the crown and promote regrowth.

Long-Term Production:

An established hill can remain productive a bare 4–7 years with proper care. Then rotating fields prevents soil depletion and decreases pest and disease buildup.

Storage and Handling

Proper storage plays a key role in preserving seed quality. Alfalfa seeds should be kept in cool, dry, and dark environments to prevent premature aging or damage from humidity. Even slight moisture can lower germination rates or cause fungal problems.

• Ideal Temperature: Between 39°F to 50°F
• Humidity Level: Maintain below 40% to avoid moisture damage
• Recommended Packaging: Use breathable paper bags for short-term or airtight sealed containers for long-term storage
• Shelf Life: Typically 4 to 5 years, though some seeds may last longer if stored under optimal conditions

Label all stored seeds with the date and source to track viability over time. With the right care, your alfalfa seed stock can stay reliable and productive for multiple growing seasons.

Summary

Alfalfa is a fast-growing, deep-rooted plant that feeds animals and helps soil. It grows back every year and works well in many climates. With simple care and sunlight, you’ll enjoy strong, healthy plants that improve your land and livestock health.