Alfalfa Common Seed
Alfalfa is a cool season perennial legume living from three to twelve years, depending on variety and climate. It resembles clover with clusters of small purple flowers.
The
plant grows to a height of up to 1 metre (3 ft), and has a deep root
system sometimes stretching to 4.5 metres (15 ft). This makes it very
resilient, especially to droughts. It has a tetraploid genome. The plant
exhibits autotoxicity, which means that it is difficult for alfalfa
seed to grow in existing stands of alfalfa. Therefore, it is recommended
that alfalfa fields be rotated with other species (for example, corn or
wheat) before reseeding.
Planting Alfalfa Seed
Rate: 20 - 25 lbs. per acre.
Depth: 1/4 to 1/2 Inch
Adaptation: Needs deep, fertile, well-drained soils. Soil pH of 6.5 or above.
Management: Pest problems occasionally occur when crown or stem rot is a problem.
Use insecticides in spring to guard against insects such as, alfalfa weevil, leafhoppers and nematodes.
