When to sow alfalfa? Master the best planting time

Alfalfa is generally sown from late March to early April each year, or from late August to early September. Alfalfa takes about 7-10 days from the beginning of flowering to full bloom. The first harvest is most suitable at the beginning of flowering, when the protein content is highest. The harvest time for the first cutting of alfalfa grass is around mid-to-late May; afterwards, depending on water and fertilizer conditions, cut once every 30-40 days.

I. Planting time for alfalfa grass

Spring sowing: In spring, sowing should be done before Qingming (late March to early April). At this time, soil moisture is high, making it easy to achieve full stands. Sowing too late coincides with spring drought, making emergence difficult.

Summer sowing: Generally from June to July. During this period, temperatures are high, there is more rain, seedlings grow quickly, but there are also more weeds, and pests and diseases occur frequently.

Autumn sowing: Generally from late August to early September. This period comes after the rainy season, the soil is good, the temperature is suitable, weed growth slows down, and the sowing success rate is the highest. Regardless of which sowing method is used, it should be combined with rain or irrigation, and after rain is best. After sowing, the soil should be compacted to facilitate seed germination.

II. Growth period of alfalfa grass

Alfalfa takes about 7 days to 10 days from the beginning of flowering to full bloom. The first harvest is most suitable at the beginning of flowering, when the protein content is highest; it should not be later than full bloom at the latest, otherwise leaf drop is severe, stems become fibrous, and quality declines. The harvest time for the first cutting of alfalfa grass is around mid-to-late May; afterwards, depending on water and fertilizer conditions, cut once every 30 days to 40 days.