{"title":"Alfalfa Green Manure Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlfalfa grown as green manure provides a longer-lived legume stand with deep roots, nitrogen fixation, and substantial plant residue. It is best suited to rotations that can devote enough time to establishing and managing a perennial crop; it is not the same quick-turn option as a short-season annual cover crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlan the stand before planting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRotation length:\u003c\/strong\u003e Decide how many seasons the alfalfa will remain before the next cash crop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSite fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Confirm drainage, soil fertility and pH, available moisture, and winter-hardiness needs for the selected variety.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInoculation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Check whether seed is pre-inoculated or requires a compatible \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/inoculants\"\u003ealfalfa inoculant\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTermination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow time to mow, graze, or otherwise terminate the stand and manage regrowth before planting the following crop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNitrogen contribution and biomass vary with stand age, nodulation, fertility, water, cutting, and termination timing. Follow each product page for planting rate and seed-treatment details. To compare every alfalfa option, including the relevant inoculant, visit the main \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/alfalfa\"\u003ealfalfa seed collection\u003c\/a\u003e. Shorter-duration alternatives are available in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/green-manure\"\u003egreen manure cover crops\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"semi-dormant-alfalfa-rhizocoated-lb","title":"Semi-Dormant Alfalfa - Nitrocoated Seed (lb)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMedicago sativa\u003c\/em\u003e semi-dormant alfalfa is a perennial legume suited to regions with moderately mild winters, including many Zone 8 locations. It is used for hay, pasture, pollinator forage, deep-rooted soil cover, and multi-year soil-building rotations. Semi-dormant growth balances warm-season productivity with greater winter dormancy than non-dormant types.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlfalfa performs best in fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and adequate calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, and potassium. It is poorly suited to acidic or waterlogged sites. Plant shallowly in early fall or spring, maintain moisture through establishment, and provide summer irrigation where rainfall is insufficient. Its deep root system can recover nutrients from below the rooting depth of many annual crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ½–1 lb per 1,000 sq ft or 25 lb per acre\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInoculant:\u003c\/strong\u003e No additional inoculant is normally needed; this Nitrocoated seed includes the appropriate alfalfa-group inoculant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 5–10 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant height:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 18–24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hay, pasture, green manure, pollinator habitat, bee forage, and long-term rotations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote for certified organic growers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nitrocoated seed is conventionally grown, non-GMO seed with no fungicide or insecticide seed treatment applied before coating. The coating contains certified organic powdered limestone, an organically approved binder, and an OMRI-approved peat-based inoculant, applied through an OMRI-approved process on a dedicated Nitrocoated-seed treatment line.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21544023851121,"sku":"SCL011","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/semi-dormant-alfalfa-nitrocoated-seed-lb.jpg?v=1747084330"},{"product_id":"non-dormant-alfalfa-rhizocoated-lb","title":"Non-Dormant Alfalfa - Nitrocoated Seed (lb)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMedicago sativa\u003c\/em\u003e non-dormant alfalfa is a perennial legume suited to long, warm growing seasons in approximately Zones 9–11, including low-desert regions of the West, California’s San Joaquin Valley, southern Texas, and Gulf Coast areas. It provides productive forage, deep-rooted soil cover, pollinator resources, and nutrient cycling in multi-year rotations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlfalfa performs best in fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and adequate calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, and potassium. It is poorly suited to acidic or waterlogged soils. Plant shallowly in early fall or spring, maintain moisture during establishment, and provide summer irrigation where rainfall is insufficient. Its deep root system can recover nutrients from below the normal rooting zone of many annual crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ½–1 lb per 1,000 sq ft or 25 lb per acre\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInoculant:\u003c\/strong\u003e No additional inoculant is normally needed. This Nitrocoated seed includes the appropriate alfalfa-group inoculant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 5–10 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant height:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 18–24 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hay, pasture, green manure, beneficial-insect habitat, bee forage, and long-term soil-building rotations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote for certified organic growers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nitrocoated seed is conventionally grown, non-GMO seed with no fungicide or insecticide seed treatment applied before coating. The coating contains certified organic powdered limestone, an organically approved binder, and an OMRI-approved peat-based inoculant, applied through an OMRI-approved process on a dedicated Nitrocoated-seed treatment line.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21544024375409,"sku":"SCL016","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/non-dormant-alfalfa-nitrocoated-seed-lb.jpg?v=1747084329"},{"product_id":"ladak-alfalfa-raw-lb","title":"Ladak Alfalfa - Raw Seed (lb)","description":"\u003cp\u003eLadak Alfalfa is a hardy perennial legume cover crop valued for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions while improving soil health and providing high-quality forage. Extremely winter hardy and drought tolerant, this variety is ideal for dryland alfalfa production and performs well at high elevations (zone 4 or higher) with at least 12\" of annual rainfall. Its deep taproot system improves soil structure, enhances water infiltration, and supports long-term fertility through natural nitrogen fixation. Perfect for pastures, hay production, and green manure, it also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, contributing to a healthier farm ecosystem.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eBest planted in early fall or spring in well-drained soil, Ladak Alfalfa produces 2–4 cuttings of nutrient-rich hay per year under good management. The dense growth habit helps suppress weeds, and when used as a cover crop, it adds valuable organic matter to the soil. While it has slightly less disease resistance than some other alfalfa varieties, its adaptability to cold, dry environments makes it a reliable choice for long-term rotations and sustainable farming practices.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUse it to enhance pasture productivity, support livestock nutrition, or build soil fertility for future crops. With proper care, it will remain productive for several years, making it a dependable, low-maintenance addition to any farm or homestead.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eFor more perennial cover crops and soil-building options, explore our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.mom\/collections\/all-cover-crop-seeds\" target=\"_blank\"\u003efull collection of cover crop seeds\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMedicago sativa – Perennial Legume Cover Crop\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/strong\u003e Alfalfa is one of the most efficient nitrogen-fixing legumes, enriching soil while producing protein-rich forage for livestock.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e0.5–1 lb\/1000 sq ft or 25 lb\/acre\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInoculant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strongly recommended for effective nodulation and nitrogen fixation, especially where this legume has not recently been grown. Use \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.mom\/products\/alfalfa-clover-inoculant\"\u003eAlfalfa-Clover Inoculant (treats 50 lb)\u003c\/a\u003e and plant promptly after treating the seed.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGermination:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10 Days\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18–24\"\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pasture, hay, beneficial insect habitat, bee forage, green manure\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFacts to Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Less disease resistance than other alfalfas; non-spreading; plant shallowly in early fall or spring\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21544024965233,"sku":"SCL035","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/ladak-alfalfa-raw-seed-lb.jpg?v=1747084329"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/collections\/non-dormant-alfalfa-nitrocoated-seed-lb_1024x1024_2x_fbc02932-01f2-440c-93c0-388643ac240d.webp?v=1786831562","url":"https:\/\/www.groworganic.mom\/collections\/alfalfa-green-manure-seeds.oembed","provider":"Grow Organic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}