Alfalfa Common Seed

Alfalfa is a cool season perennial legume living from three to twelve years, depending on variety and climate. It resembles clover with clusters of small purple flowers.

The plant grows to a height of up to 1 metre (3 ft), and has a deep root system sometimes stretching to 4.5 metres (15 ft). This makes it very resilient, especially to droughts. It has a tetraploid genome. The plant exhibits autotoxicity, which means that it is difficult for alfalfa seed to grow in existing stands of alfalfa. Therefore, it is recommended that alfalfa fields be rotated with other species (for example, corn or wheat) before reseeding.

Planting Alfalfa Seed

Rate: 20 - 25 lbs. per acre.
Depth: 1/4 to 1/2 Inch
Adaptation: Needs deep, fertile, well-drained soils. Soil pH of 6.5 or above.
Management: Pest problems occasionally occur when crown or stem rot is a problem.

Use insecticides in spring to guard against insects such as, alfalfa weevil, leafhoppers and nematodes.