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How to Grow Alfalfa Vernal Dartmouth

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Alfalfa Vernal Dartmouth

Medicago sativa L. 'Vernal Dartmouth'

herb

Alfalfa Vernal Dartmouth is a cold-hardy perennial legume cultivar bred for forage production in northern climates. This variety is known for its superior winter hardiness and excellent regrowth capability after cutting. It's widely used as livestock feed and as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop in sustainable agriculture.

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Example Alfalfa Vernal Dartmouth timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Alfalfa Vernal Dartmouth

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Alfalfa Vernal Dartmouth

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alfalfa Vernal Dartmouth dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; performs best with maximum light exposure
💧
Water: Moderate to low water needs once established; deep root system (up to 15 feet) allows drought tolerance. Water during establishment phase (first 4-6 weeks). Prefers 15-25 inches annual precipitation. Avoid waterlogging; excellent drainage essential.
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Spacing: 6-12 inches between plants in rows; rows 12-24 inches apart for hay production inches
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Days to maturity: 60-90 days to first cutting; perennial with 3-5 year productive lifespan
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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches deep; seeds should be lightly covered

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy loam soil with good calcium content
pH: 6.5-8.0
Amendments:
Lime (to raise pH if below 6.5) Phosphorus-rich fertilizer Potassium fertilizer Boron (if deficient) Molybdenum (if deficient)

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-8; specifically bred for northern regions and cold climates

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

10-14 days

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing. Plants are delicate and vulnerable.

Keep soil consistently moist (not waterlogged). Protect from heavy traffic and grazing. Thin crowded seedlings. Apply light mulch if needed.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-6 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and compound leaves (trifoliate leaflets). Root system deepens rapidly. Bushy growth pattern emerges.

Ensure adequate moisture during this critical phase. Monitor for weeds competing for nutrients. Avoid grazing or cutting at this stage.

3

Budding & Flowering

2-3 weeks

Purple-violet flower spikes form at stem tips. Plant reaches optimal forage quality at this stage. Rapid growth continues.

This is the ideal time for first cutting for hay production. Monitor for pests. Ensure adequate nutrient availability.

4

Pod Formation & Maturation

3-4 weeks

Flowers fade, spiral seed pods develop containing 1-5 seeds each. Plant becomes tougher and less palatable.

If harvesting for seed, allow pods to mature fully and dry on plant. For forage, cut before this stage for better quality.

5

Dormancy & Winter Survival

5-6 months

Plant enters dormancy in fall. Vernal Dartmouth's superior cold hardiness allows survival through harsh winters. Crown remains alive below soil.

Do not cut after late August in northern zones. Allow plant to accumulate reserves in crown. This variety excels at winter survival and spring regrowth.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Grass species (Timothy, Orchardgrass, Bromegrass) in hay mixtures Clover (Red Clover, White Clover) in pasture mixes Brassicas (as rotation crop) Root vegetables (as rotation crop)

Avoid planting near:

Fennel (allelopathic) Black walnut (toxic juglone) Wheat (disease susceptibility) Oats (disease susceptibility) Plants requiring acid soil (pH mismatch)

Common Pests

  • Early cutting to remove developing larvae; insecticides if severe; parasitic wasp releases; resistant varieties like Vernal Dartmouth have some tolerance

  • Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization; insecticidal soap; predatory insects; resistant varieties recommended

  • Early cutting removes infested foliage; insecticides rarely necessary; natural enemies control populations

  • Early cutting; insecticides for severe infestations; avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen

  • Early cutting disrupts life cycle; insecticides only if extremely damaging; natural predators help control

Uses

🍳

Livestock Forage & Hay

Culinary

Alfalfa is a premium forage for cattle, horses, sheep, and goats, providing essential protein (15-20%) and digestible energy. It serves as foundation for hay production in northern regions and is considered highly palatable. [source]

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Nitrogen-Fixing Cover Crop

Household

As a legume, alfalfa forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules, enriching soil naturally. It's used in crop rotation systems to reduce fertilizer dependence and improve soil structure. [source]

💊

Nutritional Supplement

Medicinal

Alfalfa sprouts are consumed as food and contain vitamins K, C, A, and minerals like calcium and iron. Traditionally used in herbal medicine for various health purposes. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Habitat & Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Alfalfa flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing essential nectar and pollen. The standing crop provides habitat for ground-nesting birds and small mammals. [source]

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Soil Amendment & Erosion Control

Household

The deep root system (15+ feet) prevents erosion, improves soil tilth, and brings up deep minerals. Dead plant material adds organic matter when incorporated into soil. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For hay: Cut when 5-10% of flowers have opened (early-to-mid bloom stage) for optimal nutrient content and palatability. Make subsequent cuts at 3-4 week intervals, but cease cutting by late August in northern zones to allow winter hardiness preparation. For seed production: Allow final cutting to mature fully, dry on plant, then harvest when pods turn brown. Cure hay properly (moisture below 20%) before storage to prevent mold.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Alfalfa Vernal Dartmouth was bred at the University of Vermont's agricultural research station to specifically handle the extreme cold and short growing seasons of northern New England and Canada.
  • 🌱 A single alfalfa plant can extend roots 15-20 feet deep to access water and nutrients far below the surface, making it one of the deepest-rooting cultivated plants and essentially drought-proof once established.
  • 🌱 Alfalfa can be cut 3-5 times per season in favorable conditions, and this variety's superior regrowth after cutting makes it more productive per acre than most other forage crops in northern climates.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cover Crop Crown Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Perennial pH True Leaves
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