Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Alfalfa on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Alfalfa
Medicago sativa, commonly known as alfalfa or "blålusern" in some regions, is a perennial forage legume belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is characterized by its erect stems, trifoliate leaves, and clusters of purple or blue-violet flowers. Although primarily cultivated for its nutritional value as livestock feed, its attractive blooming makes it suitable for garden borders or naturalized meadows.
Native range
Asia Minor and the Caucasus, extending through Southwest Asia and North Africa.
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth and thrives in well-drained, preferably alkaline or neutral soils. Watering should be moderate once established, as it is drought-tolerant due to its deep root system. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot; a common mistake is overwatering, especially in heavy soils. It benefits from an initial good fertilization with phosphorus and potassium.
How to save a dying Alfalfa
- Warning signs
- Yellowish/pale leaves, stunted growth, soft or wilted stems.
- First aid
- Improve drainage, adjust watering (avoid waterlogging), check soil pH.
- What kills it
- Constant waterlogging, compacted or very acidic/alkaline soil, lack of sunlight.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly by correcting watering and improving soil conditions.