Vernal Alfalfa

$3.25
  • Scientific name: Medicago sativa
  • Deep rooted and drought tolerant
  • Adapts to well drained, deep soils with a pH range of 6.4-7.5
  • One of the older alfalfa varieties available

Quantity is per pound. Example: 1 = 1 lb, 2 = 2 lbs, 3 = 3lbs, etc. This is pure seed, not a live plant.


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Map of Alfalfa Distribution Area
Alfalfa Distribution Area

Min. to Max. Annual Precipitation

36in.

Average Max. Height

Vernal Alfalfa is a deep rooted, well drained, and drought tolerant alfalfa variety. It is a cool weather crop that prefers to grow in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. Has good winter hardiness and a moderate regrowth rate after cutting. Great selection for ranch plantings and pasture mixes.

Vernal Alfalfa

Vernal Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is an “older” alfalfa variety, widely distributed and adapted throughout north America. Deep rooted and drought tolerant. Adapts to well drained, deep soils with a pH range of 6.4-7.5.

Vernal is one of the older alfalfa varieties available. It has been used in a wide variety of climates and for multiple purposes all over the world. And although “Vernal” and “cheap” have become almost synonymous, it sometimes survives more seasons than newer higher yielding varieties. Previous generations all asked for vernal seed, and because it was cheaper (public variety) than the newer patented cultivars of the 1970s, farmers became accustomed to the idea that “vernal” meant “generic”.

But Vernal does in fact have characteristics that make it a good selection in certain applications. Vernal was developed as a mid-western alfalfa by the University of Wisconsin in the 1950s. The name came from the “vernal equinox”, as it goes fully dormant in late fall and does not awaken again until well past the first cool thawing spring days. A alfalfa originated from temperate parts of the world that never experienced an upper midwest winter, the original plant scientists developing vernal had to find plants that would go dormant for winter and keep the root alive to regrow next spring. Vernal, therefore, is best suited to northern climates. Vernal alfalfa is a cool weather crop that prefers to grow in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall.

Alfalfa will perform best when plant with adequate starting moisture. Vernal alfalfa has good winter hardiness and a moderate regrowth rate after cutting. Vernal alfalfa is deep rooted and drought tolerant and is a good selection for ranch plantings and pasture mixes. It will adapt to deep well drained soils of all types as long as PH levels are within the range of 6.4-7.5.

When compared to new improved varieties Vernal has moderate yield potential and persists about as long.

Bacterial Wilt Resistant (R)
Fusarium Wilt Moderate Resistance (MR)
Northern Root Knot Nematode Moderate Resistance (MR)
Fall Dormancy 2

 

***Click on the “Quick Plant Facts” tab above for more information.

ALFALFA
(Medicago sativa)

 

Alfalfa Variety Fact Sheet

PDF version of Alfalfa Variety Selection Guidelines.

Prepared by: Utah State University Extension. T.C. Griggs Dept. of Plants, Soils, & Biometeorology

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Who is Great Basin Seed?

Great Basin Seed is a seed company that specializes in seed sales and consultation for home, ranch, farm, range and reclamation. We have been a leader in the seed industry since 1974.

Our History

We've been in the seed business since 1974.

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Right: Company founder Lloyd and his wife Paula Stevens in a wildflower seed production field circa 1977

Quick Plant Facts
Seed Count

200000

Plant PDF File

dryalfalfa.pdf