About Alfalfa
Alfalfa is the highest-protein perennial legume available to deer managers but is also the most demanding to establish, requiring a soil pH of 6.5 or higher — ideally near 7.0 — and excellent drainage for long-term persistence. When conditions are right, alfalfa is arguably the single most attractive deer food available, with mature deer often preferring it over soybeans, clover, or grain crops. Stands must be protected from heavy deer browsing during the establishment year, as deer will readily graze alfalfa to the crown, preventing root energy storage and killing new plants.
How much Alfalfa seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Alfalfa is 15–20 lbs per acre, dropping to about 14 lbs per acre when drilled. 15–20 lb/ac broadcast; 12–15 lb/ac drilled. In a clover-alfalfa-chicory blend, use 4–6 lb/ac. Choose dormancy ratings (fall dormancy 2–4) appropriate to the region. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a cool-season crop. In the northern US, plant in Aug–Sep or Apr–May; farther south, plant in Sep–Oct or Mar. Sow it 1/4" deep and plan on 45–60; avoid heavy deer pressure first year.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 7(don't go below ~6.5). No N (nitrogen-fixing legume); inoculate seed. Needs very high P and K; critical to reach pH 6.5–7.0 before planting — alfalfa fails at pH below 6.2. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Alfalfa blends well with ladino clover, red clover, chicory, orchardgrass if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Alfalfa FAQ
- How much Alfalfa seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Alfalfa at about 15–20 lbs per acre, or 14 lbs per acre if you drill it. 15–20 lb/ac broadcast; 12–15 lb/ac drilled. In a clover-alfalfa-chicory blend, use 4–6 lb/ac. Choose dormancy ratings (fall dormancy 2–4) appropriate to the region.
- When should I plant Alfalfa?
- In the northern US plant in Aug–Sep or Apr–May; in the South plant in Sep–Oct or Mar. Expect 45–60; avoid heavy deer pressure first year.
- What soil pH does Alfalfa need?
- Alfalfa does best at a soil pH around 7 (minimum ~6.5). No N (nitrogen-fixing legume); inoculate seed. Needs very high P and K; critical to reach pH 6.5–7.0 before planting — alfalfa fails at pH below 6.2.
- Do deer like Alfalfa?
- Deer preference: high — deer choose alfalfa over soybeans and clover in many regions; protein 20–28%; deep taproot survives drought.