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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Alfalfa
Highest-yielding forage legume—fixes 150-300 lbs N/acre, 5-10 year stand life, taproot to 15+ feet. Premium dairy hay. Medicago sativa. Zones 3-9.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
The queen of forage crops. Alfalfa fixes more nitrogen (150-300 lbs per acre annually), produces more protein per acre, and persists longer (5-10+ years) than any other forage legume. Its taproot—reaching 6-15 feet and sometimes exceeding 25 feet—accesses deep moisture and minerals unavailable to any other crop. Alfalfa demands specific conditions (well-drained soil, pH 6.5+, full sun) and precise harvest management (cut at 10% bloom, never below 2 inches), but rewards proper management with decades of high-quality production.
Category
Legume
Type
Alfalfa
Scientific Name
Medicago sativa
Zones
3-9 (dormancy rating selection critical for zone matching)
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
The queen of forage crops. Alfalfa fixes more nitrogen (150-300 lbs per acre annually), produces more protein per acre, and persists longer (5-10+ years) than any other forage legume. Its taproot—reaching 6-15 feet and sometimes exceeding 25 feet—accesses deep moisture and minerals unavailable to any other crop. Alfalfa demands specific conditions (well-drained soil, pH 6.5+, full sun) and precise harvest management (cut at 10% bloom, never below 2 inches), but rewards proper management with decades of high-quality production.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Soil test/lime to pH 6.5-7.5; ensure drainage
Step 2
Inoculate seed; apply P and K (no N)
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Plant 1/4 to 1/2" deep; use cultipacker (Critical)
Step 5
Keep moist during germination
Step 6
Harvest at 10% bloom; do not cut below 2"
Best For
Premium dairy hay production|High-protein livestock feed|Long-term stand (5-10+ years) on well-drained soil|Nitrogen fixation for subsequent crops in rotation|Deep soil improvement via taproot channels|Drought-prone areas with deep, well-drained soil|Mixed stands with orchardgrass or bromegrass|Rotational value—corn yields increase 10-20% following alfalfa
FAQs
1.
What is birdsfoot trefoil?
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), also known as lucerne, is a deep-rooted perennial legume considered the highest-quality forage crop in North America. It earns the title 'queen of forages' for its unmatched combination of high protein (16-22% crude protein), high yield (4-8 tons per acre annually), nitrogen fixation (150-300 lbs N per acre), and persistence (5-10+ year stands). Alfalfa's taproot penetrates 10-20+ feet, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant once established.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Alfalfa demands well-drained soil with pH 6.5-7.5—it will not tolerate acidic conditions below pH 6.0 or waterlogged soils. Lime applications are often necessary before planting. Alfalfa requires high phosphorus and potassium levels and performs best on deep, fertile loam soils. It does not tolerate high water tables, heavy clay without drainage, or compacted soils. Soil testing and correction 6-12 months before planting is strongly recommended.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Alfalfa germinates in 7-10 days at soil temperatures above 65°F. Seedlings develop slowly for the first 60 days as the taproot establishes. First harvest is typically 60-90 days after planting. A full, productive stand is established by the second growing season. Do not graze or harvest new alfalfa stands until plants reach early bloom stage (approximately 10% of plants showing flowers) to ensure root carbohydrate reserves are adequate for regrowth.
4.
How many cuttings of alfalfa can you get per year?
In USDA zones 4-6, expect 3-4 cuttings per year. In zones 7-8, 4-6 cuttings are possible. Harvest when alfalfa reaches early to mid-bloom (10-50% of plants flowering) for the best balance of yield and quality. Cutting intervals of 28-35 days maintain stand health. Always allow the last fall cutting 4-6 weeks before first expected frost so plants can rebuild root reserves for winter survival.
5.
What is the seeding rate for alfalfa?
The All Purpose Mix performs in 3-8+ hours of direct sunlight. Optimal performance is at 4-6 hours. In shadier spots (3-4 hours), creeping red fescue carries the stand. In full sun (8+ hours), tall fescue tends to dominate over time. For less than 3 hours of direct sun, the Sun & Shade Mix is a better choice with its 65% fine fescue content designed specifically for heavy shade. The All Purpose is best described as a moderate-shade-tolerant blend.
6.
What fertilizer program does the All Purpose Lawn Mix need?
Apply 2-3 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually, with the white clover component providing an additional 0.5-1 lb N through biological fixation. Fall fertilization (September-October in zones 4-6) produces the best results. A simple program: 1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft in September, 1 lb in late October, and optionally 0.5-1 lb in late May. Avoid heavy spring nitrogen which promotes disease and weed pressure. Slow-release or organic fertilizers complement the clover's natural fertility contribution.
7
Can alfalfa be planted with grass for pasture?
Yes. Alfalfa-grass mixtures are among the most productive pasture systems available. Common companion grasses include orchardgrass, timothy, smooth bromegrass, and tall fescue. In mixed stands, alfalfa provides protein and nitrogen fixation while grasses provide energy (carbohydrates), ground cover, and reduced bloat risk. Plant alfalfa at 8-12 lbs per acre with grass at 4-8 lbs per acre. The grass component reduces (but does not eliminate) bloat risk compared to pure alfalfa.