🌿 Alfalfa: Growing Guide
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −20 to 35 °C (−4 to 95 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Space plants about 15 cm (5.9 in) apart. Expect 90+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Medicago sativa |
|---|---|
| Category | Forage |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −20 to 35 °C (−4 to 95 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 90+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 1 cm (0.4 in) |
| Height | 30–90 cm (12–35 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | |||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | ||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Apr, Aug · Plant out: May, Sep · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Aug · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–May, Oct–Nov.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Needs regular watering.
Growing tips
Deep roots draw up nutrients (a dynamic accumulator). Forage and compost.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Alfalfa: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May–Jul. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Apr, Aug · Plant out: May, Sep · Harvest: Jun–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
Alfalfa: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Needs regular watering.
Alfalfa: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 15 cm (5.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 1 cm (0.4 in).
Alfalfa: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 90+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Alfalfa: which plants grow well with it?
Corn, Wheat.
Alfalfa: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids, Alfalfa weevil.
Plan your garden
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