Medicago sativa

Alfalfa

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Perennial legume, high-protein forage crop with trifoliate leaves and purple flowers. Known as alfalfa or lucerne.
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Plant Details

Common Name Alfalfa
Family Fabaceae
Genus Medicago
Species Sativa
Origin Central Asia / Mediterranean
Blooming Foliage plant, purple pea-like flowers in summer if not harvested.
Sunlight Sun
Category Kitchen garden plants
Pet Friendly check Yes
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Care & Maintenance

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Soil

Well-drained loamy soil, pH 6.5-7.5. Rich in calcium and phosphorus.

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Watering

Moderate watering during establishment; drought tolerant once established but yields decrease with stress.

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Sunlight & Care

Requires full sun exposure (minimum 6 hours) for optimal growth and flowering indoors.

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Fertilization

Generally self-fertilizing via nitrogen fixation, but needs P and K. Apply balanced fertilizer sparingly if grown for foliage.

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Pruning

Harvest regularly to promote bushier growth or cut back after flowering.

Pest Control Aphid Cutworm Leafhopper Spider Mite

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

local_florist Flowering Period 5 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
agriculture Harvesting Period 6 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Growing Parameters

thermostat
Temperature
41° – 95°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
40% – 70%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
2000 – 30000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
1500 – 3000
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
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Soil Moisture
25% – 65%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
300 – 1800
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)

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