Onobrychis viciifolia Seeds | Sainfoin
LATIN NAME: Onobrychis viciifolia
COMMON NAME: Sainfoin
Plant Profile
Onobrychis viciifolia, better known as Sainfoin, is a perennial in the pea family. Sainfoin is pink spike of dry meadow, and dense racemes of pink-and-white flowers stand above fine leaves. It is a plant of open, sunny, deep, well-drained ground. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the pea family, Onobrychis viciifolia draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. A long cultivation history means growers know what to expect from it.
Uses & Benefits
Sainfoin brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Sainfoin is a fine, generous plant of dry meadow and soil-building plot. It has been written up in agricultural and botanical papers for pink racemes and dry-ground ways, and it is a fine, generous plant of open, sunny, deep, well-drained garden. A little lime in soil suits them well, and deep roots find water of dry ground. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
Sainfoin is the premium tannin forage that prevents bloat and improves protein use in grazing animals, a darling of sustainable pasture research.
Growing from Seed
Sainfoin grows readily from seed. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Sainfoin is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Young plants want steady water; older plants take conditions as they come.
Related Reading
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