Harvest alfalfa by cutting when about one in ten stems shows bloom. Leave a few inches of stem, and do not take a last cut that leaves the crown with no rest before frost.
Cut when about one in ten stems is in bloom
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Cut when about one in ten stems shows bloom. On a new stand, wait until about one in four stems blooms for the first cut | Cutting at full bloom every time, which makes stemmy, lower-quality forage |
| Height | Leave about 2 to 4 inches of stem | Scalping the crown |
| Interval | Wait about four to five weeks between cuts once the stand is established | Cutting again as soon as a few inches of green show |
Wait until alfalfa is in late bud to early bloom. On a new stand, let the first cut reach about 25 percent bloom so the crown can store food. Later cuts, take them when about one in ten stems is open. [1] Once the stand is up, many small patches are cut every four to five weeks. [2] Leave a few inches of stem so new shoots can start from the crown. Sun and watering through the season are on How to Grow Alfalfa.
- Walk the patch and look for open flowers, not just height.
- Cut when about one in ten stems is in bloom, or at about 25 percent bloom for the first cut of a new stand.
- Leave about 2 to 4 inches of stem. Do not shave the crown.
- Wait about four to five weeks before the next cut.
When do I cut alfalfa?
When about one in ten stems shows bloom. On a new stand, wait until about one in four stems blooms for the first cut.
Dry the stems before you stack them
Spread the cut stems in a thin layer until they feel dry, then store them off wet ground. Wet stacks heat and mold. [3]
Leave a last rest before frost
Do not take a heavy cut in the last weeks before a hard frost if the plants still have a lot of regrowth. Leave several weeks of growth so the crown can store food for winter, then take a final cut near freeze if you want, when little green is left to grow. [4]
When is the last cut of the year?
Leave several weeks of growth before a hard frost so the crown can store food. A late cut after the plants have stopped growing does less harm than a heavy cut with no rest.
Cut when about one in ten stems shows bloom, leave a few inches of stem, and leave several weeks of growth before a hard frost.
FAQ
Can I till it as green manure?
Cut at bloom, then work the stems into the bed or leave them as mulch. The crown and taproot take more than one pass to kill if you want the bed back for vegetables.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Alabama Cooperative Extension System -
https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/farming/alfalfa-establishment-and-management/ - [2] Texas A&M AgriLife Extension -
https://mytexas.ag.tamu.edu/publications/small-acreage-alfalfa-for-west-texas/ - [3] University of Missouri Extension -
https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g4575 - [4] NRCS Plant Materials Program -
https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_mesa.pdf
This note is part of Medicago Guides.
More harvest timing notes by plant live in Harvesting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors