Alfalfa (Medicago hybrida)
Care, watering, light and tips for Alfalfa on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Alfalfa
Medicago hybrida, known as Hybrid Alfalfa or Pourret's Alfalfa, is a perennial legume belonging to the Fabaceae family. This plant is characterized by its trifoliate foliage and small yellow or purple flowers, which appear in clusters. It is ideal for revegetating degraded soils or as forage, contributing nitrogen to the soil and attracting pollinators.
Native range
Central and Southern Europe, extending to North Africa and Western Asia.
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal development, although it tolerates some partial shade. It prefers well-drained soils, from neutral to slightly alkaline pH, and is quite drought-tolerant once established. Avoid waterlogging, as it is susceptible to root rot in excessively wet conditions. It does not need large amounts of fertilizer due to its nitrogen-fixing ability.
How to save a dying Alfalfa
- Warning signs
- Yellow or wilted leaves, soft or blackened stems.
- First aid
- Check drainage and moisture. If waterlogged, gently remove and let roots dry. If dry, water moderately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its biggest enemy, quickly rotting roots. Also very compacted soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly and there's no severe root damage. It's a resilient plant.