Sprouts

Growing

While you can grow alfalfa as a perennial forage crop in the ground, many home gardeners prefer to germinate the seeds in a soilless medium like trays, drums, or racks to produce edible sprouts. When preparing your growing space, aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If you are growing the mature plant in a garden bed, be mindful of pests like the alfalfa weevil, aphids, or potato leafhoppers, which can damage the stems and leaves.

Because sprouts are grown at the immature stage for culinary use, the goal is rapid germination rather than long-term plant development. Once your sprouts have reached the desired size for your salads or garnishes, harvest them immediately. It is important to pick them when they are ready to use, as they do not continue to ripen after being harvested. To maintain their quality, keep them unwashed until you are ready to eat them and store them in the fridge.