Alfalfa

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Cover crops can be planted in spring, summer or fall! Remember that ¼ to ⅓ of your growing area should be planted to green manure cover crops every year. This ensures your soil stays healthy and productive.

Seeds will store for 1 to 2 years.

Description

Alfalfa, also called Lucerne, is considered the King of forage legumes and is grown extensively across Canada and the world. Its adaptability has allowed it to naturalize to local conditions, and it is often found growing on roadsides and ditches.

Alfalfa is high-yielding, has great nutritional quality for livestock and wildlife, helps prevent soil erosion and creates habitat for beneficial insects. Its ease of growth and versatility make it a top choice as a forage, cover crop or green manure.

Healthy stands of Alfalfa can fix up to 250 lbs/acre (6 lbs/1000 sq. ft) of Nitrogen each year, which is higher than any other legume. It has extensive roots that grow as deep as 10 feet, helping to build organic matter, improve soil structure and scavenge nutrients from lower depths.

As a hardy perennial, alfalfa can survive some of the harshest Canadian winter conditions, allowing stands to stay strong and healthy for at least three years. If used as a forage, the crop should be tilled once the density falls below 50 stems/square foot.   

Grows as a perennial in Zone 2 or warmer. It can be planted in spring or fall. However, young plants require at least 6 weeks of growing season before freezing temperatures if planted in fall. The plants can be cut or mowed 1 to 3 times per season. Most growers cut at least once during or just after flowering. 

Non-GEO

250g covers approximately 1000 sq. ft
1 kg covers approximately 4000 sq. ft

FOR PLANTING PURPOSES ONLY. Seed should not be used as food or feed.

Can be used with EcoTea Seed Inoculant for increased nutrient efficiency, improved root development and higher disease resistance.

Quick Guide

• Latin Name: Medicago sativa
• Hardiness: Perennial Zone 2
• Growth Rate: slow 
• Germination: 21 days
• Planting Dates: Feb 15-May 15 or Aug 15-Sep 15 (8 weeks before 1st killing frost) 
• Seeding Rate: 250g per 1000 sq. ft (10kg per acre)
• Max Planting Depth: 0.25” deep or broadcast and tamp to 0.25” deep
• Growth Habit: Medium Upright 18" to 24" tall  
• Benefits: Adds nitrogen to the soil, roots loosen ground to improve tilth & drainage, breaks down quickly when mowed, feeds wildlife & pollinators
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Usual Seed Life: 3-5 years
• Cover Crop Management: Mow at flowering 1 to 3 times per year
  

Highest Quality Standards

Our cover crop seed comes from high-quality stock and is tested for germination. We've selected the best varieties available to maximize each species' potential.