How to Grow RR Alfalfa Plus

RR Alfalfa Plus

Medicago sativa

herb

RR Alfalfa Plus is a genetically modified, glyphosate-tolerant variety of alfalfa bred for commercial forage production and livestock feed. This high-yielding cultivar offers improved agronomic traits including herbicide resistance, allowing for better weed control in established stands. It is widely used in agricultural operations for hay production, pasture, and silage.

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Example RR Alfalfa Plus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant RR Alfalfa Plus
Around Apr 17

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

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest RR Alfalfa Plus
Around Jul 16

≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact RR Alfalfa Plus dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, minimum 6 hours daily; 8+ hours optimal for maximum yield

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Water: Moderate to deep watering; requires 15-24 inches annually depending on rainfall and climate. Alfalfa has a deep taproot (3-15 feet) allowing access to subsoil moisture. Avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and disease.

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Spacing: 6-10 inches between plants in rows; rows 12-24 inches apart depending on establishment method inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days to first cutting; subsequent cuts at 30-35 day intervals during growing season

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches; shallow seeding is critical for germination

Soil

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

pH: 6.5-7.5

Amendments:

Lime if pH below 6.5 Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) based on soil test Boron if deficient (0.5-2 ppm soil level) Molybdenum for nodule formation

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9; most productive in zones 4-8 with adequate moisture

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

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Growth Stages

Seedling/Emergence

7-14 days

Tiny cotyledons emerge, first true leaves begin forming. Plant appears delicate with 2-3 leaves visible.

Keep seedbed moist but not waterlogged. Avoid foot traffic and heavy machinery. Monitor for damping-off and early seedling diseases.

Vegetative Establishment

3-6 weeks

Rapid leaf and root development with crown formation. Plant reaches 4-8 inches height with multiple leaves.

Maintain consistent moisture. Do not graze or cut during this phase. Allow deep taproot development. Control weeds by cultivation if needed (RR varieties can handle glyphosate post-emergence).

Pre-Bloom/Bud Formation

3-4 weeks

Plant reaches 12-18 inches; flower buds begin forming at stem tips. Leafy growth continues.

This is optimal cut stage for forage quality (10% bloom stage). Monitor stand density and health. Apply glyphosate for weed control if necessary (RR trait allows this).

Flowering

2-3 weeks

Purple or pink-purple flowers open along stems; plant reaches 20-30 inches tall.

Cutting at this stage reduces quality; harvest before full bloom if forage quality is priority. Can allow to progress to seed stage if seed production is goal.

Mature/Seed Production

Variable; 60+ days if seed maturation allowed

Flowers develop into small seed pods (legumes); plant may senesce if stressed; stand may regrow for additional cuts.

If multiple cuts desired, harvest before this stage. Allow adequate recovery time (30-35 days) between cuts to replenish crown reserves.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Orchard grass Tall fescue Timothy Brome grass Clover (red or white)

Avoid planting near:

Plants sensitive to glyphosate (non-RR varieties) Legume rotations immediately after (to avoid disease buildup) Areas with heavy aluminum or manganese toxicity (pH too low)

Common Pests

Early spring cutting when larvae present; insecticides if threshold exceeded (50+ larvae per stem); parasitic wasps provide biological control
Timely harvest removes infested leaves; resistant varieties available; rarely requires chemical control
Monitor populations; tolerant varieties available; insecticides only if populations exceed 25-50 per stem
and
Remove by cutting affected areas; predatory insects; insecticides only for severe infestations
Early cutting removes nymphs; resistant varieties recommended; monitor for yellowing and stunting

Uses

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Livestock Feed

Culinary

RR Alfalfa Plus is primarily grown as high-quality forage for dairy cattle, beef cattle, horses, and other livestock. Its digestible nutrients support milk production and weight gain. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Supplement

Medicinal

Alfalfa sprouts and leaf products are used in herbal medicine, historically valued for vitamin and mineral content. It contains saponins, flavonoids, and coumarin compounds studied for potential health benefits. [source]

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Soil Improvement & Nitrogen Fixation

Household

As a legume, alfalfa forms symbiotic relationships with rhizobial bacteria, fixing atmospheric nitrogen and improving soil fertility. Subsequent crops benefit from accumulated nitrogen. [source]

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Pollinators & Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife

Alfalfa flowers provide nectar and pollen for honeybees, native bees, and beneficial insects. Flowering alfalfa fields support diverse insect communities and are valuable for honey production. [source]

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Sprouts for Human Consumption

Craft

Alfalfa seeds are sprouted for salads and food preparation, offering fresh greens with concentrated nutrients. Sprouts are easy to grow at home and rich in vitamins and enzymes. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

First harvest typically 60-90 days after seeding when plants reach bud to 10% bloom stage (approximately 12-16 inches tall). Subsequent harvests occur every 30-35 days depending on growing conditions and stand recovery. Use hay rake, baler, or chop for silage. Harvest in late morning after dew dries to reduce shattering. Leave 2-3 inches of stubble to promote regrowth. Typical yield: 3-6 tons dry matter per acre annually (varies by region, management, and moisture).

Fun Facts

🌱 RR Alfalfa Plus carries the Roundup Ready trait, allowing farmers to spray glyphosate herbicide post-emergence to control broadleaf and grass weeds without harming the crop—a major innovation in weed management.
🌱 Alfalfa's taproot can extend 15+ feet deep, allowing it to access water and nutrients unavailable to shallow-rooted crops and making it exceptionally drought-tolerant once established.
🌱 A single alfalfa plant can produce 4-6 cuttings per growing season in favorable climates, and a mature stand can remain productive for 5-8+ years with proper management.

Gardening Terms

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

Annual Crown Cultivar Full Sun pH True Leaves

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