How to Grow WL 687 Alfalfa
WL 687 Alfalfa
Medicago sativa
herbWL 687 is a high-yielding alfalfa cultivar bred for forage production, particularly suited to western North American growing conditions. This variety is known for excellent winter hardiness and disease resistance, making it a reliable choice for livestock feed. It produces nutrient-dense hay with good digestibility and palatability for cattle, sheep, and other livestock.
When should you plant WL 687 Alfalfa in your zone?
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Example WL 687 Alfalfa timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant WL 687 Alfalfa
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 WL 687 Alfalfa
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact WL 687 Alfalfa dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7, with good winter survival in zones 2-8
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Get my WL 687 Alfalfa timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling Establishment
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate in 3-7 days with adequate moisture and warmth (60-75°F optimal). Seedlings emerge with cotyledons and true leaves begin appearing within 1-2 weeks.
Keep seedbed consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect young seedlings from grazing or foot traffic. Ensure good soil contact for seed germination.
Vegetative Growth & Establishment
4-8 weeksRapid development of roots (taproot reaches 12+ inches) and above-ground vegetative growth. Plant develops compound leaves and lateral branches; stand densification occurs.
Maintain consistent moisture during first 6-8 weeks. Control weeds aggressively as alfalfa is sensitive to competition. Light nitrogen application may help early vigor in poor soils.
Bud to Bloom (Early Flowering)
1-2 weeksTerminal flowers appear at stem tips; plants reach 8-18 inches tall depending on cutting interval. Purple flower buds form and begin opening.
Monitor for pest activity, particularly grasshoppers and alfalfa weevils. This is the optimal harvest window for forage quality (bud to 10% bloom).
Regrowth Between Cuttings
3-6 weeks per cycleAfter cutting, dormant buds along the crown and upper roots activate, producing new shoots. Plant rapidly rebuilds leaf area and height.
Allow adequate rest period (typically 3-4 weeks minimum between cuttings in summer, longer intervals in spring/fall). Maintain consistent moisture; avoid cutting too close to crown.
Winter Dormancy & Hardening
3-4 monthsPlant enters dormancy as temperatures cool and day length decreases. Carbohydrate reserves move to root crown for overwinter survival.
Avoid fall cuttings within 4-6 weeks of first frost to allow adequate carbohydrate accumulation. Do not graze in fall. Ensure good drainage to prevent ice damage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for larvae in spring; use thresholds of 1-2 larvae per stem to justify treatment; harvest at proper growth stage; consider insecticides if threshold exceeded
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Scout regularly during drought stress; use habitat management; chemical control only if populations exceed economic threshold (typically 5-8 per square yard)
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Monitor for stunting and yellowing; insecticidal soaps for heavy infestations; encourage natural predators; resistant varieties available
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Scout for yellow stippling on leaves; use tolerant/resistant varieties like WL 687; insecticidal controls if threshold of 10-15 aphids per stem exceeded
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Scout for hopperburn (leaf yellowing and curling); early harvesting can break lifecycle; insecticides rarely justified in alfalfa
Uses
Livestock Forage & Feed
CulinaryWL 687 alfalfa is primarily grown as a high-protein forage crop for dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, horses, and other livestock. The hay provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, with protein content of 15-22% depending on harvest stage. [source]
Animal Nutritional Support
MedicinalAlfalfa provides bioavailable minerals including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, supporting bone health and metabolic functions in livestock. Traditional and modern feeding practices utilize these nutritional attributes. [source]
Soil Improvement & Nitrogen Fixation
HouseholdAs a legume, WL 687 fixes atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria, improving soil fertility for subsequent crops. Nitrogen fixation can add 100-200 lbs N/acre annually to the soil system. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeAlfalfa flowers attract honeybees and native pollinators, supporting pollinator populations. Alfalfa fields provide habitat for various beneficial insects and wildlife. [source]
Hay Production for Multiple End Uses
CraftBeyond livestock feed, high-quality alfalfa hay can be processed for pelleted feeds, exported as premium hay, or utilized in bedding and mulch applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut at the bud to early bloom stage (typically 25-50% flowering) for optimal forage quality and yield balance. WL 687 typically provides 2-4 harvests per growing season depending on climate and moisture. In northern areas, typically 2-3 cuttings; in irrigated western areas, 4-5 cuttings possible. Allow at least 3-4 weeks between cuttings in active growth, longer in fall. Avoid cutting within 4-6 weeks of first frost. Harvest with appropriate machinery to minimize leaf loss and maintain stand density. Yield typically ranges 3-6 tons/acre dry matter annually.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 WL 687 was developed specifically for western U.S. and Canadian growing conditions, with exceptional winter hardiness allowing survival in sub-zero temperatures and rapid spring regrowth.
- 🌱 Alfalfa's taproot can extend 3-12 feet deep, allowing it to access water far below the soil surface and making it extremely drought-tolerant once established—a single plant can use water from depths inaccessible to most annual crops.
- 🌱 The name 'alfalfa' derives from the Arabic word 'al-fal-fa' meaning 'father of all foods,' reflecting its ancient importance as a forage crop in Middle Eastern agriculture dating back thousands of years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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