What it needs & gives back
↓ Needs
Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermoderate
↑ Gives back
Mulch_biomasshigh
Companions
Through the year
Through the year
JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceEmergence typically occurs after the last spring frost when soil temperatures consistently reach 5°C.
floweringFlowering begins approximately 60 days after emergence and can continue for up to 90 days, depending on conditions and cutting.
harvestHarvest can occur at the early flowering stage, with multiple cuts possible throughout the growing season.
senescenceSenescence is triggered by the first autumn frost and shortening day lengths, leading to dormancy.
dormancyAlfalfa enters dormancy with the onset of cold temperatures and frost, persisting through winter.
Soil interactions
Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingYes
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatescalcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, iron, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceMedium
Propagation
Methodsseed
Difficulty1 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationnone
Self-seedingModerate
Wildlife & pests
Attractsbees, beneficial insects
Can host pestsalfalfa weevil, aphids, leafhoppers
Can host diseasesbacterial wilt, downy mildew, rust