Grow alfalfa from heirloom non-GMO seeds for lush green foliage and attractive purple flower clusters. Ideal for home gardens, cover crops, forage plantings, pollinator spaces, microgreens, and soil-friendly garden applications.
Key Features
- Produces lush green foliage with small purple flower clusters.
- Heirloom, non-GMO seed choice for home gardeners and growers.
- Deep-rooted perennial plant suited to established garden spaces.
- Useful for forage, cover cropping, green manure, and pollinator plantings.
- Suitable for garden beds, open plots, homesteads, and larger growing areas.
- Can also be grown as tender microgreens under suitable conditions.
Growing Benefits
- Adds dense green foliage to garden and agricultural spaces.
- Deep roots can help improve soil structure and organic matter when plants are incorporated.
- Flowers provide a food source for bees and other beneficial insects.
- Useful as a forage and cover crop.
- Offers multiple growing applications for gardeners and homesteaders.
Seed Specifications
- Common Name: Alfalfa
- Botanical Name: Medicago sativa
- Plant Type: Perennial legume
- Foliage: Small, green, trifoliate leaves
- Flower Color: Purple to violet
- Growth Habit: Upright and branching
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained soil
- Water: Moderate; consistent moisture during establishment
- Germination Time: Approximately 5–10 days under favorable conditions
- Sowing Depth: Approximately ¼–½ inch
- Spacing: Approximately 6–12 inches for individual plants; closer spacing for forage or cover-crop use
- Growing Zones: Generally suited to USDA Zones 3–9, depending on climate and variety
- Maturity: First flowering may occur during the growing season; established plants can persist for multiple years
- Uses: Forage, cover crops, green manure, pollinator plantings, microgreens, homesteads, and garden spaces
Growing Tips
- Sow seeds in spring when soil has warmed and severe frost has passed.
- Choose a sunny location with deep, well-drained soil.
- Prepare a fine seedbed because alfalfa seeds are small.
- Sow shallowly and maintain consistent moisture until seedlings establish.
- Avoid poorly drained areas because prolonged wet soil can damage roots.
- Allow plants to establish before heavy cutting or harvesting.
Seed Storage
Store unused seeds in a cool, dry, dark location. Keep them sealed in their original packet or an airtight container away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
Unique Facts
- Alfalfa belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae.
- Its small purple flower clusters are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.
- Alfalfa develops a deep root system when grown in suitable soil.
- It is widely recognized as an important forage crop and can also be used as a cover crop.