Medicago sativa ( Alfalfa or Lucerne ) is a perennial forage crop that is native to Iran or ancient Persia. Alfalfa is one of the world’s most important plants both economically and by total dedicated land. It has many uses and is easy to grow during Spring and Autumn. Not only a common feeder of livestock, but Alfalfa is also edible when sprouted in a few days and makes an excellent green manure for the garden.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate, and Sub-Tropical climates.
In South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia the common name to use is Lucerne and is mainly used for feeding livestock.
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Growth
Medicago sativa is a perennial forage legume that grows to around 1 metre high (3 feet) and is a popular crop
used in feeding livestock. It is also grown as a sprouting vegetable where in as little as five days, one teaspoon of Alfalfa seeds can produce up to five cups of sprouts.
Perhaps the best use of Alfalfa is to grow the plants specifically for green manure. At any stage of the plant lifecycle the stems, leaves and roots can be chopped up and spread over the soil. This helps to improve the quantity of the nitrogen in the soil and is widely used in permaculture, backyard gardeners and in large commercial farming.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 30°C / 41 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet) above ground
WIDTH:
Up to 20cm (8 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
Average 75 days
GERMINATION RATES:
50-70%
GERMINATION TIME:
4-7 days at temperatures between 18-23°C / 64-75°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 330
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge). 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT MEDICAGO SATIVA (Alfalfa)
Alfalfa is the fourth most grown crop in the United States by land area and in 2009 around 30 million hectares was devoted to growing Alfalfa worldwide.
The Romans allocated a jugerum (about 60% of an acre) to Alfalfa which meant they could feed three
horses all-year round. Alfalfa is believed to have originated in a region of modern day Iran.
Sowing small quantities of Alfalfa seeds amongst the vegetable garden is an excellent way to rejuvenate the soil while still reaping the current seasons harvest.
For more information on the medicinal benefits of Alfalfa click here.
