Medicago sativa Seeds | Alfalfa
LATIN NAME: Medicago sativa
COMMON NAME: Alfalfa, Lucerne
Plant Profile
Medicago sativa — Alfalfa — is a species with genuine garden merit. During flowering it gives bees and other insects a dependable food source. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the Medicago group, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. It was also among the first genetically modified crops developed for herbicide tolerance, a development that generated significant public and regulatory debate around GM crop coexistence with conventional and organic farming. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Alfalfa has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Sprouted alfalfa seeds are additionally eaten fresh as a popular, crunchy salad and sandwich ingredient. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Alfalfa is the queen of forages, a protein-rich hay that built dairying, and its sprouts are a vitamin-K-rich salad; the deep root builds soil like few other crops.
Growing from Seed
Starting Alfalfa from seed is simple and satisfying. Fresh seed needs no special pretreatment; sow it into a loose, well-drained mix at a shallow depth and keep it consistently moist until seedlings establish. Full sun suits this deep-rooted perennial well, and once established it develops notably deep taproot that gives mature alfalfa such reliable drought tolerance. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in full sun. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Alfalfa, Lucerne settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Once the young plants are away, there is little left to do but watch them grow.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Alfalfa: