How to Grow Legume Forages (Mixed)

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Legume Forages (Mixed)

Fabaceae family (various genera)

herb

Legume forages are nitrogen-fixing plants from the Fabaceae family, commonly used as livestock feed, cover crops, and soil amendments. They include species like alfalfa, clover, vetch, and birdsfoot trefoil, valued for high protein content and ability to enrich soil naturally. These perennial or annual plants improve pasture quality and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

Looking for a specific variety?

Alfalfa Red Clover White Clover Birdsfoot Trefoil Hairy Vetch Alsike Clover

When should you plant Legume Forages (Mixed) in your zone?

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Example Legume Forages (Mixed) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Legume Forages (Mixed)
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Legume Forages (Mixed)
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Legume Forages (Mixed) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; most tolerate partial shade but perform best in full sun

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Water: Moderate, consistent moisture during establishment (first 6-8 weeks); deep-rooted species (alfalfa) are drought-tolerant once established; clovers prefer slightly wetter conditions

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Spacing: Variable by type: alfalfa and red clover broadcast 15-20 lbs/acre (seed density); perennial ryegrass-legume mixes 20-30 lbs/acre mixed inches

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Days to maturity: Variable; initial establishment 8-12 weeks; ready for first grazing/cutting 60-90 days; perennial crops yield 2-5 years or longer

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Planting depth: Seed: 0.25-0.5 inches deep; press into prepared seedbed; light coverage essential

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to clay loam soil; vary based on species

pH: 6.0-7.5 (alfalfa prefers 6.5-7.5; clovers 5.5-7.0)

Amendments:

Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) for establishment Molybdenum for nitrogen fixation Lime if pH too low Avoid excessive nitrogen—legumes fix their own

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Alfalfa and clovers thrive in zones 3-9; selection varies by species

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Establishment & Germination

2-4 weeks

Seeds germinate within 5-10 days; seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves; fragile root system developing

Keep seedbed moist but not waterlogged; avoid grazing or cutting; protect from competing weeds; inoculate seed with appropriate Rhizobium bacteria if not pre-inoculated

Vegetative Growth

6-10 weeks

Young plants develop compound leaves, branching stems, and nodule-bearing root system; plant height 6-12 inches; leaf area expanding

Monitor for weeds; avoid heavy traffic; ensure adequate moisture; no fertilizer needed—legumes fix nitrogen; allow 8-10 weeks before first light grazing

Pre-flowering & Budding

4-6 weeks

Plants reach 12-24+ inches; flower buds forming in leaf axils; stems lignifying; peak forage quality before bloom

First cutting or rotational grazing best done at this stage for optimal nutritional value and forage quality; avoid letting plants get too mature

Flowering & Bloom

3-6 weeks

Flowers open (purple, white, yellow, red depending on species); nitrogen fixation peaks; seed development begins

Forage quality declines as plants mature; for hay, cut at early bloom; allow some flowers for pollinators and seed production; some species can reseed naturally

Seed Set & Dormancy/Regrowth

4-8 weeks (variable)

Seed pods developing; forage quality poor; plants slow growth or enter dormancy (annuals die; perennials prepare for overwintering or regrowth)

Perennial crops rest in winter; manage grazing to avoid overuse; allow 6-8 weeks recovery between grazing rotations; some species produce multiple cuts per season

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Perennial ryegrass Tall fescue Timothy grass Orchardgrass Birdsfoot trefoil Alsike clover Chicory

Avoid planting near:

Legume-specific forage competitors (overseeding can dilute stand) Heavy-feeding grasses without nitrogen management Areas with herbicide residue (some legumes sensitive to 2,4-D carryover)

Common Pests

Early spring cutting or grazing at bud stage; insecticides if larvae exceed economic threshold; parasitic wasps; crop rotation
Timely harvest and grazing rotations; avoid overgrazing; trap crops; select tolerant varieties
Tolerant varieties; early grazing; natural predators (ladybugs, parasitic wasps); avoid excess nitrogen
and
Early cutting or grazing; resistant varieties; cultural practices to reduce shelter; Bt products if severe
Regular grazing/cutting to reduce habitat; border strips of perennial grass; natural predators
Resistant varieties; manage plant stress with adequate water and rotation; insecticides as last resort
Resistant varieties; avoid overhead irrigation; allow air circulation; timely harvest to reduce foliar diseases
Well-drained soil; resistant varieties; avoid waterlogging; rotation out of legumes if prevalent

Uses

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Livestock feed and forage

Culinary

Legume forages are premium nutritious feed for cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and poultry, providing 15-25% crude protein and essential minerals. They reduce feed costs and eliminate need for supplemental protein sources. [source]

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Soil improvement and nitrogen fixation

Household

Legume forages form symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria, fixing atmospheric nitrogen and enriching soil naturally. A single stand can add 100-200 lbs nitrogen per acre annually, reducing synthetic fertilizer needs. [source]

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Cover crop and erosion control

Household

Legume forages protect bare soil from erosion, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure when tilled under. They prevent nutrient leaching and build organic matter for long-term soil health. [source]

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Pollinator and wildlife habitat

Wildlife

Flowering legume forages provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. They support biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services on agricultural land. [source]

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Herbal and nutritional uses

Medicinal

Red clover and alfalfa are traditional herbal remedies used for hormonal balance, detoxification, and general wellness. Both contain flavonoids, isoflavones, and saponins with documented bioactive properties. [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 grazing: rotate stock when plants reach boot to early bloom stage (maximize nutrition and allow regrowth); for hay: cut at pre-bloom to early bloom for highest nutritional value; dry to 15-20% moisture before baling; allow 6-8 weeks recovery between cuts; perennial crops yield 2-5+ harvests per season depending on climate and species; avoid cutting below 2-3 inches to protect crown and allow regrowth

Fun Facts

🌱 Alfalfa can live 20+ years and root up to 20 feet deep, accessing water unavailable to shallow-rooted plants—making it incredibly drought-tolerant once established.
🌱 A single legume plant can fix 100-300 lbs of nitrogen per acre per year through its symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules, eliminating the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
🌱 Red clover and white clover are so nutrient-dense that a single cutting of alfalfa hay provides as much protein as 10 lbs of grain, making legume forages a cornerstone of sustainable livestock farming.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Amendment Annual Cover Crop Crown Full Sun Partial Shade Perennial True Leaves

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