How to Grow Alfalfa Vernal

Alfalfa Vernal

Medicago sativa L.

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Alfalfa Vernal is a cold-hardy, winter-dormant perennial legume cultivar bred for northern climates and hay production. Known for its deep root system and nitrogen-fixing abilities, it's a staple forage crop that can be harvested multiple times per season. The Vernal variety is specifically selected for superior winter survival and high quality feed in temperate regions.

Looking for a specific variety?

Vernal Saranac DK 145 Magnum Dartmouth WL 320

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum, preferably all-day exposure

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Water: Moderate to moderate-high water needs; requires 15-20 inches of annual precipitation or supplemental irrigation. Water deeply but allow soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Drought tolerant once established due to deep taproot.

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Spacing: 2-4 inches within rows; rows spaced 6-12 inches apart for hay production (wider spacing for pasture) inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first cutting, establishes over 1-2 years

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches for seeds; ensure good seed-to-soil contact

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy loam soil with good calcium content

pH: 6.5-7.5

Amendments:

Lime to raise pH if below 6.5 Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers Compost or aged manure for organic matter Boron and molybdenum for micronutrient balance

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-8, with exceptional cold hardiness suited to northern regions

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons, developing first true leaves. Plants are vulnerable and slow-growing initially.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid grazing or cutting during this phase. Protect from foot traffic and competing weeds.

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks after germination

Plant develops multiple stems and a deeper root system. Leaves multiply and stems thicken. Growth accelerates as days lengthen.

Allow unrestricted growth during establishment year. Monitor for weeds. No cutting recommended in first year; may cut lightly in late season if vigorous.

Bud to Bloom

1-2 weeks per cutting cycle

Flower buds form at stem tips; purple-violet flowers open in succession up the stem. Peak nutritional quality occurs at early bloom.

Harvest at bud stage or early bloom for highest quality forage with optimal protein and digestibility. Cut before flowers fully open if prioritizing feed value.

Flowering to Seed Set

2-3 weeks

Small seed pods develop after flowers are pollinated. Plant energy shifts from leaf growth to seed production.

If harvesting for hay, avoid letting plants reach full seed set as quality declines. Allow some plants to flower for bee forage if desired.

Dormancy & Regrowth

Dormancy 3-5 months; regrowth cycle repeats each season

In fall, plant enters winter dormancy—a key characteristic of Vernal. Growth slows or stops as temperatures drop. Regrowth resumes in spring.

Do not cut within 4-6 weeks of first expected frost to allow winter hardening. Let plant accumulate sufficient carbohydrate reserves. Spring cutting can resume once new growth appears and soil is workable.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Orchard grass Timothy grass Bromegrass Trefoil Other legume blends in pasture mixtures

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Fennel Onions (in intensive vegetable gardens) Fields with persistent alfalfa diseases without adequate rotation

Common Pests

Early spring cutting or grazing; parasitic wasps; insecticidal sprays if severe; rotate cutting timing
Encourage beneficial insects; water spray to dislodge; pyrethrin sprays for heavy infestations
and (Noctuidae family)
Early cutting removes eggs; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); insecticidal treatments if populations exceed threshold
Avoid over-grazing which removes predator habitat; sweeping/removal for small areas; insecticides if necessary
and (Phytophthora, Fusarium, Verticillium)
Ensure good drainage and avoid waterlogging; plant resistant varieties like Vernal; crop rotation; avoid planting in low-lying areas

Uses

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Animal Feed & Forage

Culinary

Alfalfa Vernal is widely used as nutritious forage for dairy cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. High in protein (15-22%) and fiber, it improves milk production and animal health when properly harvested and stored. [source]

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Soil Improvement & Nitrogen Fixation

Household

The deep taproot breaks up compacted soil and symbiotic Rhizobium bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching soil naturally. Excellent for crop rotation and reducing synthetic fertilizer needs. [source]

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Human Nutritional Supplement

Medicinal

Alfalfa sprouts and leaf products are consumed by humans for their high vitamin and mineral content, particularly vitamins K, A, and calcium. Used in traditional medicine to support digestion and overall wellness. [source]

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Pollinator & Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife

Flowering alfalfa provides excellent nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Established fields offer cover and food sources for ground-nesting birds and small mammals. [source]

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Green Manure & Cover Crop

Household

Alfalfa is planted to improve soil health between cash crops. When tilled under, it adds organic matter and residual nitrogen, reducing need for commercial fertilizers in subsequent seasons. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For hay: Cut at bud stage or early bloom (late morning after dew dries) for maximum nutrition and palatability. Allow 4-6 weeks between cuttings to permit regrowth and carbohydrate replenishment. Vernal typically yields 2-4 cuttings per season depending on climate and moisture. For pasture: Graze when 6-8 inches tall; rest paddocks 3-4 weeks between grazings. Never cut below 2-3 inches to protect crown and regrowth. Do not cut within 4-6 weeks of first frost. In established stands (year 2+), spring cutting can begin when growth reaches 6-8 inches.

Fun Facts

🌱 Alfalfa Vernal has a taproot that can reach 15+ feet deep, allowing it to access water and nutrients far below the surface—an adaptation that makes it extremely drought-tolerant once established.
🌱 The name 'Vernal' refers to spring, as this cultivar was specifically bred to resume active growth reliably in early spring after cold winters, making it ideal for northern agriculture where winter hardiness is critical.
🌱 Alfalfa is one of the few plants that becomes MORE nutritious when moderately stressed by early cutting, as plants respond by producing more protein-rich regrowth to compensate for removed biomass.

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