How to Grow Alfalfa Seeds (Lucerne Grass): A Complete Guide

Alfalfa, also known as lucerne grass, is a highly nutritious plant that’s easy to grow at home. Whether you’re cultivating it as a cover crop, for livestock feed, or for its nutrient-packed sprouts, alfalfa seeds are incredibly versatile. With the right care and a few essential tools, you can grow alfalfa seeds in your garden or containers, contributing to soil health and providing a valuable food source.

In this guide, we’ll cover the entire process of growing alfalfa seeds at home, from planting to care and harvesting. You’ll also learn about the tools you need and the steps to ensure healthy, thriving plants.

Why Grow Alfalfa Seeds at Home?

Alfalfa is often referred to as a “super crop” due to its numerous benefits. It’s widely used in agriculture, but home gardeners can also take advantage of its many perks.

Benefits of Growing Alfalfa Seeds:

• Improves Soil Health: Alfalfa is a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning it enriches the soil by pulling nitrogen from the air and converting it into a usable form. This improves soil fertility and benefits other plants in your garden.
• Nutritious Sprouts: Alfalfa sprouts are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
• Livestock Feed: Alfalfa is commonly used as a nutritious feed for livestock like cattle, horses, and rabbits due to its high protein and fiber content.
• Erosion Control: Alfalfa’s deep root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it a great choice for cover crops or areas prone to soil degradation.

By growing alfalfa at home, you can enjoy its many benefits for your garden, health, and overall sustainability.

Choosing the Right Location for Growing Alfalfa

Before you start growing alfalfa seeds, it’s important to choose the right location. Alfalfa requires specific growing conditions to thrive.

Sunlight Requirements:

• Alfalfa thrives in full sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil Requirements:

• Alfalfa grows best in well-draining soil with a neutral pH (between 6.5 and 7.5). If your soil is too acidic, consider adding lime to adjust the pH level.

Space:

• If planting in a garden bed, alfalfa needs plenty of space to grow its deep root system. If you’re growing it in containers, choose a deep container to accommodate the roots.

By selecting the right location, you can create an environment that encourages healthy growth for your alfalfa plants.

Tools and Materials Needed for Growing Alfalfa

To grow alfalfa successfully, you’ll need a few basic tools and supplies. Here’s a list of the essential materials:

Tools:

• Alfalfa Seeds: Choose high-quality alfalfa seeds from a reputable supplier.
• Soil Testing Kit: To ensure your soil’s pH is optimal for alfalfa growth.
• Rake and Shovel: For preparing the soil in garden beds.
• Watering Can or Hose: For watering seeds and maintaining moisture levels.
• Compost: Organic compost will improve soil fertility and provide essential nutrients for alfalfa growth.
• Container (optional): If you’re growing alfalfa in a container, choose one that is deep and has good drainage holes.

With these basic tools, you’ll be well-prepared to start growing alfalfa seeds.

Step-by-Step Process for Growing Alfalfa Seeds

Growing alfalfa seeds is a relatively simple process, but attention to detail is crucial for a successful harvest. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preparing the Soil

If you’re planting alfalfa in a garden bed, start by testing the soil to ensure it has the right pH level (6.5-7.5). Loosen the soil using a shovel or rake, and mix in organic compost to improve fertility.

For container gardening, fill your container with a well-draining potting mix and add compost for extra nutrients.

Step 2: Planting the Seeds

Sow alfalfa seeds directly into the soil. Scatter the seeds evenly over the soil surface, and lightly rake them in so that they’re about ¼ inch deep. Avoid burying them too deep, as they need light to germinate.

Step 3: Watering the Seeds

Water the seeds gently but thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, but avoid overwatering. Alfalfa seeds typically germinate within 7-10 days.

Step 4: Thinning the Seedlings

Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out to avoid overcrowding. Space the plants about 6 inches apart to give them room to grow.

Step 5: Ongoing Care

Water your alfalfa plants regularly, especially during dry spells. However, be cautious not to overwater, as alfalfa prefers slightly moist but well-drained soil.

Caring for Alfalfa Plants

After the initial planting, alfalfa needs ongoing care to ensure strong growth and a healthy harvest. Here are some important care tips:

Sunlight and Temperature

Alfalfa grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 30°C. Ensure your plants get plenty of sunlight to encourage strong growth and prevent diseases.

Watering

Water your alfalfa plants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Alfalfa’s deep root system allows it to tolerate dry conditions, but it’s important to keep the soil moist during germination and early growth stages.

Fertilizing

While alfalfa is a nitrogen-fixing plant and doesn’t require much fertilizer, adding compost or an organic fertilizer can boost growth, especially if your soil lacks nutrients.

Mulching

Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.

Pest and Disease Control

Alfalfa is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but keep an eye out for aphids, leafhoppers, or fungal infections. Use organic pesticides or neem oil if necessary.

With the right care, your alfalfa plants will grow strong and provide a healthy harvest.

Harvesting Alfalfa

Alfalfa is ready for harvest when it reaches about 12-18 inches in height. The timing of the harvest depends on whether you’re growing alfalfa for sprouts or as a full-grown crop.

Harvesting Alfalfa Sprouts:

If you’re growing alfalfa for its sprouts, you can harvest them just 5-7 days after germination. Simply snip the sprouts and enjoy them fresh in salads or sandwiches.

Harvesting Mature Alfalfa:

For full-grown alfalfa, wait until the plants have reached maturity (usually 60-70 days). Cut the stems just above the ground using a sharp garden tool. After harvesting, alfalfa can regrow, so you may get multiple harvests from a single planting.

Caring for Alfalfa Post-Harvest

After harvesting your alfalfa, it’s important to take care of the remaining plants and soil to ensure future growth.

Replanting or Regrowth:

If you harvested alfalfa sprouts, you can continue growing the plants for a second round. For full-grown alfalfa, cut it back after harvesting and allow the plants to regrow. Alfalfa is a perennial, meaning it will come back for several seasons.

Soil Care:

After harvesting, replenish the soil with organic matter, such as compost or mulch, to keep it fertile for the next planting season.

Enjoy Growing Your Own Alfalfa Seeds

Growing alfalfa seeds (lucerne grass) at home is a rewarding experience that brings many benefits, from improved soil health to fresh, nutritious sprouts. With the right tools, care, and attention, you can successfully grow alfalfa in your garden or containers, contributing to a sustainable and healthy environment.

Start growing alfalfa today and enjoy the many advantages it brings to your garden, kitchen, and even your livestock!

FAQs About Growing Alfalfa Seeds