Semi-Dormant Alfalfa - Nitrocoated Seed (lb)

Medicago sativa Perennial legume cover crop.

Alfalfa is a resilient perennial legume widely valued for its ability to fix nitrogen, enrich soil, and support pollinators. It is best suited for USDA Zone 8 and thrives in fertile, well-drained soils that are non-acidic. A dependable hay and bee forage plant, it performs especially well in high desert areas of the Western states, northern California valleys, lower elevations of the Four Corners region, and along the northern Gulf Coast. Alfalfa establishes in 5–10 days and grows 18–24" tall, making it an excellent long-term addition to sustainable rotations.

As a warm-season cover crop, alfalfa contributes significantly to soil health. With adequate phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur, it can fix up to 200 lb of nitrogen per acre and yield as much as 10 tons of organic matter per acre. Its deep roots bring subsurface minerals to the surface, functioning as a natural soil conditioner. Alfalfa is well-suited for 3–5 year rotations, requiring summer irrigation to produce maximum growth in warm conditions.

• Application Rate: 0.5–1 lb/1,000 sq ft or 25 lb/acre
• Inoculant: None needed, seed is nitrocoated
• Germination: 5–10 Days
• Plant Height: 18–24"
• Uses: Hay, forage, beneficial insect habitat, bee forage, green manure, nitrogen fixing
• Facts to Note: Plant shallowly in early fall or spring. Requires summer irrigation and performs best in warm climates. Suitable for multi-year soil improvement cycles.

Note to Certified Organic Growers from Manufacturer: Nitro-coated seed is conventionally grown seed that has had an organically accepted seed coating applied to it. The seed itself is conventionally grown, non-GMO, and untreated (no fungicides or insecticide seed treatment applied) prior to coating. The seed coat consists of certified organic powdered limestone, an organically approved binder (glue), and peat peat-based inoculant that is also OMRI-approved and organically accepted. The seed coating is applied in a OMRI-approved process in a separate treatment line that only produces Nitro-coated seeds.