Also known as Greek Alfalfa · Lucernă · Lucerne
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a perennial herbaceous legume widely cultivated for forage. It's known for its deep root system and nitrogen-fixing capabilities.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and yield.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistent moisture but dislikes waterlogged soil.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in moderate temperatures (15-25°C) and can tolerate cooler or warmer conditions if watered appropriately.
Low
25% intensity
As a legume, it fixes nitrogen and needs minimal supplemental fertilizer, primarily phosphorus and potassium.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Alfalfa requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and active growth. Water deeply when the top 5-10 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering as plants mature and during dormancy to prevent over-saturation.
Pruning is typically not required for ornamental purposes but is essential for harvest. For forage, alfalfa is cut multiple times per season. Allow the plant to regrow to a suitable height before subsequent cuts.
Remove any dead or damaged stems in early spring to encourage new growth.
Alfalfa is primarily propagated by seeds. Sow seeds in well-drained soil in early spring or late summer. Optimal planting depth is 1-2 cm. Seedlings emerge within 7-14 days.
Alternatively, cuttings can be taken from mature plants, but this is less common for large-scale propagation.
Repotting is generally not applicable as Medicago sativa is a herbaceous perennial usually grown as a forage crop or for groundcover. If grown in containers for research or specific purposes, repot when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every 1-2 years, using a well-draining soil mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Where Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is found
Density
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8 known issues from plant disease data
Common leaf spot on Alfalfa causes small round brown to black leaf spots with uneven edges, then yellowing and early leaf drop.
Brown root rot in Alfalfa causes slow spring green-up or winterkill-like thinning, with brown root lesions that girdle and rot taproots.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Medicago |
| Species | Medicago sativa |
Similar in genus Medicago
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
