Alfalfa Seeding Date Recommendations

Topics to think about. 

• Alfalfa seed planted in mid-March will be in the “refrigerator” until soil reaches 45-50 degrees. Many pathogens are active in 35-40 degrees before alfalfa seed can germinate.  
• Rapid and uniform germination occurs in “warm” soils.  Cold soil often produce thin and uneven stands leading to possible replanting situations. 
• Early spring seed bed preparation can be difficult, leaving clumps. Poor seed soil contact is not a good way to start alfalfa. 
• Wet soils conditions often leave wheel tracks, which is not ideal for alfalfa.
• There is no yield advantage and more risk of stand loss between March and seeding in warmer soils in April. 
• Seed depth control is important
  • Shallow planting will be warmer early planting.  Plant deeper later in spring as soils warm up.    
• Seed treatments including fungicides (both Stamina® and Apron XL® (Grozone® from CROPLAN)) are absolutely required in any early planting.