How to Grow Alfalfa Vernal WL 320
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Alfalfa Vernal WL 320
Medicago sativa L.
herbAlfalfa Vernal WL 320 is a high-yielding, cold-hardy perennial legume cultivar bred for superior forage production and disease resistance. This variety is particularly suited for hay and pasture production in temperate climates, fixing nitrogen in the soil while providing excellent nutritional value for livestock. WL 320 combines winter hardiness with improved pest resistance, making it a reliable choice for long-term hay operations.
When should you plant Alfalfa Vernal WL 320 in your zone?
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Example Alfalfa Vernal WL 320 timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alfalfa Vernal WL 320
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Alfalfa Vernal WL 320
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alfalfa Vernal WL 320 dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7, with exceptional cold hardiness in zones 2-4
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Get my Alfalfa Vernal WL 320 timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
4-8 weeksYoung plants emerge with oval cotyledons and develop small compound trifoliate leaves. Root system begins developing the characteristic taproot.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from grazing or cutting during first 60 days. Control competing weeds. Thin seedlings if overcrowded.
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksPlant develops multiple stems from the crown, increasing leaf area and stem height. Deep taproot (up to 10-15 feet) establishes, accessing water and nutrients from deep soil layers.
Begin first cutting when plants reach 6-8 inches height and 10% bloom stage. Ensure adequate drainage. Monitor for weeds and pests. Avoid overgrazing.
Budding & Bloom
1-3 weeks per cutting cycleSmall purple, blue, or pink flower clusters (racemes) form at stem tips. This is the optimal harvesting stage for hay quality. Nutritional content peaks at 10% bloom.
Harvest at 10% bloom for best forage quality and protein content. Cut 3-4 inches above ground to preserve growth points. Allow 3-4 week recovery between cuttings.
Seed Development & Dormancy
4-6 weeks to seed maturity; dormancy: 3-4 monthsIf left unharvested, flowers mature into spiral pods containing seeds. Plant enters dormancy in fall, surviving winter in root crown form.
If seed production desired, allow full maturation. For hay, prevent this stage to maximize regrowth. Apply dormancy-breaking treatments if needed for winter survival in cold zones.
Regrowth/Regress
Ongoing cycles throughout growing seasonAfter cutting, plant quickly regenerates from crown buds, producing new stems for successive harvests. Winter dormancy conserves energy in root system.
Allow 3-4 week recovery between cuttings for optimal regrowth. In fall, allow final growth to harden off before winter. Spring growth begins as soil warms.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Early spring cutting at 1/4 bloom stage; maintain vigorous stand; use resistant varieties like WL 320; parasitic wasps provide biological control
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Monitor regularly; early cutting; resistant varieties; insecticidal soap if severe; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
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Harvest at 1/4 bloom to disrupt life cycle; maintain plant vigor; rotate fields; consider insecticide only if damage exceeds 50% of leaves
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Regular scouting; early cutting; maintain field margins for predator habitat; chemical control only if infestation severe
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Encourage beneficial insects; harvest to remove adults; avoid excessive sulfur applications near spray dates
Uses
Livestock Forage & Hay
CulinaryAlfalfa Vernal WL 320 is a premium forage crop providing high-quality hay for dairy cattle, beef cattle, horses, and small ruminants. Its high protein content (15-20% in fresh cut, 12-18% in hay) and excellent digestibility make it a cornerstone of livestock nutrition. [source]
Sprouts & Fresh Microgreens
CulinaryAlfalfa seeds and young sprouts are edible, rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Sprouts are commonly added to salads, sandwiches, and Asian cuisine for their crisp texture and mild, fresh flavor. [source]
Traditional & Nutritional Medicine
MedicinalAlfalfa has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is valued for its mineral content (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium) and potential role in supporting bone health and reducing cholesterol. Used as a supplement and herbal tea. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Improvement
HouseholdAlfalfa's symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Rhizobium) enriches soil with bioavailable nitrogen, reducing need for synthetic fertilizers and improving soil structure. Excellent rotation crop for sustainable agriculture. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeAlfalfa flowers are visited by numerous pollinators including honey bees, native bees, and butterflies. Alfalfa fields provide habitat and nectar sources for beneficial insects and contribute to ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest at 10% bloom stage (when 1 in 10 flowers has opened) for optimal nutrition and forage quality. Cut 3-4 inches above ground to preserve growth points and crown regeneration. Allow 3-4 weeks between cuttings for plant recovery. Typical yields: 3-4 cuttings per season in northern zones, up to 5-6 in warmer areas. Cure hay to 15-20% moisture before storing. Take final fall cutting 6 weeks before first frost to allow hardening off.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Alfalfa Vernal WL 320's 'WL' designation refers to 'Winter Longevi,' indicating superior cold hardiness and winter survival; it was specifically bred to thrive in colder climates with severe winter conditions.
- 🌱 A single alfalfa plant can have a taproot extending 15-30 feet deep, accessing water and nutrients far below shallow-rooted plants and making it exceptionally drought-tolerant once established.
- 🌱 Alfalfa can produce 3-6 hay cuttings per season and fixes approximately 100-200 pounds of atmospheric nitrogen per acre annually, making it one of the most valuable legume crops for soil health and sustainable agriculture.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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