{"title":"Alfalfa Seed","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlfalfa is a deep-rooted perennial legume used for forage, soil improvement, and longer-term cover. This collection includes seed with different dormancy and seed-treatment characteristics, plus the compatible inoculant needed for untreated seed or where product directions recommend reinoculation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eChoosing alfalfa seed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDormancy class:\u003c\/strong\u003e Match fall dormancy and winter-hardiness to your climate, cutting schedule, and desired stand persistence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeed treatment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Confirm whether the product is raw, coated, or pre-inoculated and adjust purchased weight and planting plans accordingly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSite:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alfalfa performs best where drainage, soil fertility, pH, irrigation or rainfall, and weed control suit the selected variety.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnd use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Select for hay, grazing, orchard cover, green manure, or rotation needs rather than assuming one variety fits every system.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEstablishment and inoculation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlfalfa seed is small and should be planted shallowly into a firm, prepared seedbed. Planting date and seeding rate depend on seed treatment, climate, irrigation, and planting method, so follow the individual product label. Where inoculation is needed, use an \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/inoculants\"\u003ealfalfa-compatible inoculant\u003c\/a\u003e and observe its storage and expiration instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a management-focused subset, browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/alfalfa-green-manure-seeds\"\u003ealfalfa for green manure\u003c\/a\u003e. Compare other options in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/legumes\"\u003elegume cover crop seed\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/pasture-seed\"\u003epasture seed\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"alfalfa-clover-inoculant","title":"Alfalfa-Clover Inoculant (Treats 50 lb)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis peat-based seed inoculant contains live Rhizobium culture formulated for alfalfa, fenugreek, and most clovers except subclovers. One package treats up to 50 lb of seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompatible Crops and Coverage\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse this formulation for alfalfa, fenugreek, and most clovers except subclovers. Coverage: up to 50 lb of seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Apply\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDampen seed with clean, cool, non-chlorinated water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd only enough inoculant to coat the seed uniformly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow the coating to dry for 1–3 minutes, then plant as soon as practical.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStorage and Handling\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eStore in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight at 40–77°F. The powder can be dusty; use appropriate dust protection and follow the current package directions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCompare and Learn\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/inoculants\"\u003eCompare seed inoculants\u003c\/a\u003e, review \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/articles\/fixing-nitrogen-in-your-soil-how-that-happens\"\u003ehow Rhizobium and root nodules support nitrogen fixation\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cover-crop-seeds\"\u003ecover crop seed\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21543881638001,"sku":"ISE100","price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/1391\/9089\/products\/alfalfa-clover-inoculant-treats-50-lb.jpg?v=1747084803"},{"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\/covercrop-alfalfa-thumb_b6e7a892-3569-4c05-8cf3-033fa29ef209.jpg?v=1786831044","url":"https:\/\/www.groworganic.mom\/collections\/alfalfa.oembed","provider":"Grow Organic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}