The Complete Guide to Growing Alfalfa in Pots

Alfalfa, also known as lucerne is a versatile plant that can be grown indoors in pots or containers. Though typically cultivated as a field crop alfalfa can thrive in an indoor potted environment with the right techniques. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about successfully growing alfalfa plants in pots.

Selecting the Right Pot

Choosing an appropriate pot is the first step to growing healthy potted alfalfa plants. Consider the following factors:

• Pot Size – Select at least a 12-inch wide container. Alfalfa has a deep taproot so ample depth is needed.

• Drainage Holes – Ensure the pot has sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging Elevate the pot if needed

• Material – Use pots made of clay, plastic, concrete, wood or other sturdy materials that won’t degrade over time.

• Portability – Opt for pots with handles or lightweight materials if you need to move the pots regularly.

Allow at least 12-24 inches between pots to prevent overcrowding as the alfalfa grows. Have a saucer on hand to catch drainage water.

The Perfect Potting Mix

Alfalfa thrives in a soilless potting mix rather than garden soil. Look for:

• Moisture retention – Crucial for alfalfa’s high water needs. Seek mixes with coco coir, peat moss or compost.

• Aeration and drainage – Incorporate perlite or vermiculite into the mix. Alfalfa roots rot in wet soil.

• Nutrients – A complete potting mix will have the necessary NPK for growth. Add organic fertilizer.

• Soilless – Avoid garden soils. Pathogens can cause issues like damping-off disease in seedlings.

• pH 6.5-7.5 – Alfalfa grows best in slightly alkaline soil. Test and amend pH if needed.

A quality multipurpose potting mix amended with compost or worm castings is ideal for container alfalfa.

Sowing Alfalfa Seeds in Pots

Follow these steps when sowing alfalfa seeds in pots:

• Fill pots with moistened potting mix, tap to settle. Leave 1 inch from rim.

• Spread seeds evenly over the top. Alfalfa needs light for germination so don’t cover.

• Gently press seeds into the soil with your hands to increase contact.

• Water thoroughly after planting to moisten soil without washing away seeds.

• Cover pots with plastic to retain moisture. Remove once sprouts emerge.

• Place pots in a warm spot with temperatures around 70°F for best germination.

• Thin seedlings after they develop 2-3 leaves. Leave the strongest few plants per pot.

Proper sowing gives alfalfa seeds the best start. Expect germination in 7-10 days if conditions are right.

Caring for Alfalfa Plants in Pots

Meeting alfalfa’s growth needs is key for thriving potted plants:

• Sunlight – Alfalfa needs full sun. A bright, south-facing window is optimal indoors. Supplement with grow lights.

• Temperature – Daytime temperatures of 65-75°F and nights above 50°F are ideal. Avoid frost.

• Watering – Water when the top inch becomes dry. Alfalfa uses lots of water so check pots daily.

• Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Cut back in winter.

• Repotting – Shift to a larger pot after plants become rootbound or double in size.

Monitor for pests like aphids that can plague container plants. Prune shoots regularly to encourage bushy growth.

Troubleshooting Common Alfalfa Problems

Here are some common issues with solutions:

• Seeds not sprouting – Ensure high enough temperatures, sow at proper depth, and keep soil moist but not soaked.

• Leggy growth – This indicates insufficient sunlight. Supplement natural light with grow lights.

• Yellowing leaves – Apply balanced fertilizer. Check that the pot drains well and isn’t waterlogged.

• Wilting – Increase watering frequency. Alfalfa needs consistently moist soil. Move pot to a cooler area if wilting persists.

• Insects – Identify pests like aphids early and use appropriate organic controls. Avoid chemical pesticides.

• Stunted plants – Repot into a larger container. Rootbound alfalfa won’t grow well.

Harvesting Alfalfa Shoots

• Begin harvesting about 60 days after germination when plants are 8+ inches tall.

• Use scissors to snip tender top shoots just above leaf nodes a few inches above the soil.

• Avoid cutting more than a third of shoots at a time to prevent plant stress.

• Harvest shoots regularly, at least every 4-6 weeks. This encourages bushy, compact growth.

• Discard any discolored or damaged leaves. Rinse harvested leaves before eating.

Enjoy fresh alfalfa shoots in salads, sandwiches, juices and more! With proper care, potted alfalfa provides an ongoing harvest.

Storing Alfalfa Seeds Properly

• Keep unused alfalfa seeds in a cool, dry place around 40°F. The refrigerator works well.

• Place seeds in an airtight, opaque container to limit air exposure and block light. Glass jars work perfectly.

• Label the container with the seed variety and year harvested. Use oldest seeds first.

• Check seeds occasionally and discard any that are moldy or damaged. Use within 1-2 years for best viability.

Proper storage preserves seed viability so you can start new potted plants as needed.

Benefits of Growing Alfalfa in Pots

Beyond producing nutritious sprouts and shoots, potted alfalfa offers many advantages:

• Provides homegrown greens year-round.

• Thrives in a compact space like patios or balconies.

• Relatively easy to grow and maintain.

• Fixes nitrogen, improving soil health over time.

• Attracts pollinators with its beautiful blooms.

• Satisfies the urge to garden indoors.

With a little effort, anyone can succeed at growing alfalfa in pots. Follow this guide for thriving containers of this useful legume. Let your pots flourish with alfalfa!