How to Grow Alfalfa WL 320 HQ
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Alfalfa WL 320 HQ
Medicago sativa
herbAlfalfa WL 320 HQ is a high-quality forage legume cultivar bred for superior nutritional content and disease resistance. This variety is widely used as livestock feed and cover crop, known for its deep root system that improves soil structure and nitrogen fixation. WL 320 HQ designation indicates enhanced winter hardiness and improved digestibility.
When should you plant Alfalfa WL 320 HQ in your zone?
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Example Alfalfa WL 320 HQ timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alfalfa WL 320 HQ
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 WL 320 HQ
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alfalfa WL 320 HQ dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-8; thrives in temperate climates with cold hardiness to -30°F
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Germination & Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge 5-10 days after planting. First true leaves appear within 2-3 weeks.
Maintain consistent soil moisture. Avoid soil crusting by rolling after planting. Protect from grazing or cutting during establishment.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksRapid stem and leaf development. Plant builds deep taproot system and develops multiple shoots. Height increases 1-2 inches per week.
Ensure adequate soil nutrients. Monitor for pest activity. Allow adequate light penetration. First cutting can occur at bud stage (30-35 days).
Budding & Flowering
2-3 weeksPurple-violet flowers appear in clusters at stem tips. Plant reaches 18-36 inches tall depending on variety and cutting frequency.
Optimal hay harvest is at mid-bloom stage for maximum forage quality. Cut before pod formation if harvesting for feed. Allow some plants to flower for bee support and seed production.
Pod Development & Maturation
3-4 weeksFlowers develop into characteristic spiral seed pods. Plant can regrow after cutting if root system remains intact.
If harvesting for seed, allow pods to mature fully. For forage stands, cut before pods form to encourage regrowth and maintain forage quality.
Dormancy & Regrowth
4-6 months winter dormancyFall dormancy begins as daylength shortens and temperatures drop. Cold hardening prepares plant for winter. Spring brings new vegetative growth from established crowns.
Fall cutting should stop 6-8 weeks before first frost to allow energy storage in roots. Ensure proper drainage for winter survival. Spring growth resumes when soil reaches 40-45°F.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Early spring cutting, parasitic wasps (Bathyplectes spp.), insecticidal applications if damage exceeds 3 leaves per stem
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Natural predators (lady beetles, lacewings), resistant varieties, insecticidal soap, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Early cutting to remove larvae, parasitoid wasps, resistant varieties
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Improved drainage, resistant varieties (WL 320 HQ has improved resistance), crop rotation, avoid waterlogged soil
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Use resistant varieties, crop rotation, improve soil drainage
Uses
Livestock Feed & Forage
CulinaryAlfalfa is a premium livestock feed rich in protein (14-22% depending on harvest stage) and highly digestible. WL 320 HQ is specifically bred for superior nutritional quality, making it ideal for dairy cows, beef cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. [source]
Human Nutritional Supplement
MedicinalAlfalfa sprouts and leaf powder are consumed as nutritional supplements containing vitamins K, C, A, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Traditionally used in herbal medicine for digestive health and as a nutrient-dense food. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Improvement
HouseholdAs a nitrogen-fixing legume, alfalfa enriches soil with biologically-available nitrogen through its relationship with Rhizobium bacteria. Incorporating alfalfa into rotation systems reduces fertilizer requirements for subsequent crops. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeAlfalfa flowers provide essential nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Established alfalfa fields support diverse insect populations and small mammal habitat. [source]
Cover Crop & Conservation Agriculture
CraftDeep taproot system prevents erosion and improves soil structure. Used extensively in conservation tillage systems and as a cover crop between commodity crops to build soil health and break pest cycles. [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 forage: Cut at early to mid-bloom stage (typically 4-6 weeks after emergence) when digestibility is highest. In established stands, typically 3-4 harvests per season in northern zones, 4-5 in southern zones. Optimal cutting height is 2-3 inches to allow regrowth from crown buds. For seed production: Allow plants to flower fully and pods to brown (usually late summer). Thresh mechanically. Best hay quality occurs when cut just before or at early bloom stage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Alfalfa roots can extend 15-20 feet deep, accessing water and nutrients unavailable to shallow-rooted crops, making it one of the deepest-rooting cultivated plants.
- 🌱 WL 320 HQ was bred to survive winters as low as -30°F while maintaining superior forage digestibility, making it a reliable multi-year perennial in cold climates.
- 🌱 A single alfalfa plant can produce 10,000+ seeds, and one pound of alfalfa seeds contains approximately 200,000 seeds—making it extremely economical for field planting.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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