Collection: Alfalfa Seed

Alfalfa is a deep-rooted perennial legume used for forage, soil improvement, and longer-term cover. This collection includes seed with different dormancy and seed-treatment characteristics, plus the compatible inoculant needed for untreated seed or where product directions recommend reinoculation.

Choosing alfalfa seed

• Dormancy class: Match fall dormancy and winter-hardiness to your climate, cutting schedule, and desired stand persistence.
• Seed treatment: Confirm whether the product is raw, coated, or pre-inoculated and adjust purchased weight and planting plans accordingly.
• Site: Alfalfa performs best where drainage, soil fertility, pH, irrigation or rainfall, and weed control suit the selected variety.
• End use: Select for hay, grazing, orchard cover, green manure, or rotation needs rather than assuming one variety fits every system.

Establishment and inoculation

Alfalfa seed is small and should be planted shallowly into a firm, prepared seedbed. Planting date and seeding rate depend on seed treatment, climate, irrigation, and planting method, so follow the individual product label. Where inoculation is needed, use an alfalfa-compatible inoculant and observe its storage and expiration instructions.

For a management-focused subset, browse alfalfa for green manure. Compare other options in legume cover crop seed or pasture seed.