Alfalfa Seed – Alfalfa seed varieties are widely grown throughout the world as forage for cattle , and is most often harvested as hay, but can also be made into silage, grazed in pastures, or fed as green chop. ... When Alfalfa is grown on soils where it is well adapted, alfalfa is the highest yielding forage plant.
Is alfalfa sprout a seed?
Found in nearly any restaurant, deli, or grocery store, organic alfalfa sprouts are one of the most delicious and diverse varieties of seed sprouts available.
Does alfalfa seed itself?
Alfalfa is a crop that naturally tends to lessen its density over time because alfalfa doesn’t reseed itself . ... If population density is very low then a grower could consider planting a new field or interseeding with other species/grasses to improve the current crop.
How do you get seeds from alfalfa?
Enter the growing area when the seed bunches are visible on the tops of the plant stalks. Grasp each stalk gently and pull upwards, allowing the seeds to fall into your hand. Place the seeds into a cloth sack . Store the sacks of alfalfa seeds in a cool, dark and dry place until you are ready to plant or sell them.
What color is alfalfa seed?
Common alfalfa has purple flowers and spiral- shaped seed pods, and yellow-flowered alfalfa has sickle-shaped seed pods. Alfalfa evolved in the Middle East and central and northern Asia regions with cold winters and hot, dry summers.
What is the best way to plant alfalfa?
Use a drill to plant. Do not broadcast seed and till it in. If you can’t use a drill, don’t plant alfalfa.
How many years will alfalfa grow?
Perenniality—The fact that the crop grows for 4-8 years , grows quickly with warm conditions in the spring is a major advantage of alfalfa—it can utilize residual winter rainfall before irrigation is necessary.
Why are alfalfa sprouts bad for you?
Like any fresh produce that is consumed raw or lightly cooked, sprouts can carry a risk of foodborne illness if they are contaminated. Unlike other fresh produce, the warm, moist conditions required to grow sprouts are ideal for the rapid growth of bacteria, including salmonella, listeria, and E. coli.
How hard is it to grow alfalfa?
Easily grown and propagated, alfalfa adapts well to nearly any garden, tolerating a wide range of growing conditions. It makes a good drought-resistant plant too, as it doesn’t like wet feet. In fact, too much moisture can lead to mold growth. When growing alfalfa, choose an area with plenty of full sun.
How much does alfalfa seed cost?
Alfalfa seed of modern varieties can cost over $4.00 per pound , while older varieties can be purchased for $2.00 per pound or less.
How do you eat alfalfa?
Another way to add alfalfa to your diet is by eating it as sprouts . Alfalfa sprouts can be added to your diet in many ways, such as in a sandwich or mixed into a salad. You can buy these at health food stores or sprout them at home.
What food is alfalfa used in?
Fresh alfalfa sprouts are a delicious addition to sandwiches and salads . They can also be used in summer rolls or as a garnish for soups or tacos. You can also purchase alfalfa in dried form. Dried alfalfa can be boiled in water with other herbs to make a tea or ground up and added to smoothies.
What are the side effects of alfalfa?
Possible Side Effects. Alfalfa sprouts are considered safe and nutritious but may cause side effects in some people. Due to its high fiber content, consuming raw alfalfa can cause gas, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea .
How much does it cost to plant an acre of alfalfa?
Alfalfa has to be planted at around 25 pounds per acre if I remember correctly. A 50 pound bag of seed is around $200 last I heard a few years back, so $100 an acre just for seed. Probably $120-150 per acre including tillage costs.
Does alfalfa need a lot of water?
Alfalfa is a high water use crop because it has a long growing season, a deep root system, and a dense mass of vegetation. ... Commonly cited ranges in water requirements for alfalfa are 18 to 36 inches of water per season. Alfalfa is quite tolerant of drought or extended periods without highly available water.
What is a good cover crop for alfalfa?
Many other cover crops have been used to seed with alfalfa; the most common are barley and triticale . Barley is perhaps a better cover crop if letting the small grain grow for grain since it matures a week or more earlier than oats.
