Medicago sativa aka Alfalfa

Taxonomy

Medicago sativa, commonly known as alfalfa or lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. It is cultivated as an important forage crop worldwide, used for grazing, hay, and silage. This herbaceous perennial legume has a deep taproot and clover-like green foliage. It produces small purple flowers in the summer, followed by flat pea-like fruits. Native to warmer temperate climates, alfalfa has been cultivated as livestock fodder since ancient times. It is also used as a green crop to improve soil quality and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. Alfalfa originated in southwestern Asia and was first cultivated in Iran. It has since gained worldwide distribution and is planted in all 50 states of the United States and widely in Canada. It is naturalized in many areas.

Common names

Alfalfa, Aidama Bede

How to care for Alfalfa

Difficulty

Caring for Alfalfa is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Alfalfa should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Alfalfa is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Aidama Bede is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Aidama Bede with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Alfalfa with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

Alfalfa requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Aidama Bede is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Alfalfa to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Alfalfa should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Alfalfa’s native range is Europe - Mediterranean. More or less naturalized in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia