Alfalfa is a perennial legume that serves as one of the highest-quality forage crops for Texas agriculture, supplying protein-rich feed for the state’s dairy, beef feedlot, and horse industries. The crop’s deep taproot system allows it to tolerate drought once established, but successful initial growth depends entirely on precise timing. Texas’s varied climate, spanning from the cold Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, means the optimal planting window is a series of region-specific schedules. Planting too early or too late can expose vulnerable seedlings to lethal temperature or moisture stress, jeopardizing the entire stand.
Understanding Fall Versus Spring Planting
The decision between fall or spring seeding hinges on leveraging weather patterns for maximum seedling survival and first-year yield potential. Fall planting, typically done in late summer or early autumn, is the preferred method because it utilizes cooling temperatures and natural moisture. This timing allows the alfalfa to develop a strong root system and a protected crown before winter dormancy. Planting in the fall also minimizes competition from summer annual weeds, which are killed off by the first hard frost.
A spring planting, usually conducted in February or March, takes advantage of early spring moisture for germination but presents challenges. Seedlings face intense competition from fast-growing weeds and are susceptible to heat and drought stress once summer begins. First-year yields are generally lower compared to a well-established fall stand. Fall-planted alfalfa enters its first full growing season with a robust root system, translating directly into higher productivity.
Specific Regional Planting Schedules for Texas
The best time to plant alfalfa in Texas is based on avoiding hard freezes and summer heat.
North Texas and Panhandle
The planting window in North Texas and the Panhandle is narrowest due to the risk of early freeze. Producers must aim for early to mid-September, allowing six to eight weeks of growth to store carbohydrates in the roots before the first killing frost (typically around 26°F). If the fall window is missed, a secondary option is a very early spring planting in February or early March, but only if effective weed control is guaranteed.
Central and West Texas
For Central and West Texas, including the Rolling Plains, the fall window runs from mid-September to mid-October. This timing allows root establishment during mild autumn temperatures while avoiding peak summer heat and early frosts. These regions often rely on irrigation, making the focus preventing heat shock during the vulnerable seedling stage. Successful fall establishment is important for utilizing deep soil moisture reserves the following spring.
South Texas and the Coastal Bend
In South Texas and the Coastal Bend, the winter is mild, and the planting window extends into later fall. Planting can safely occur from mid-October through November, utilizing the final period of mild weather. A late fall seeding provides maximum time for root development before the next summer’s heat. The goal is always to have a well-formed crown and deep root system before the most extreme temperature event.
Essential Pre-Planting Soil Preparation
Successful alfalfa establishment requires thorough soil preparation before seeding. Alfalfa thrives in deep, well-drained soils and requires a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Soil testing is required, and if the pH is below 6.5, agricultural lime must be incorporated months prior to seeding to adjust acidity.
Fertility requirements must be met before planting, as fertilizer cannot be effectively injected once the stand is established. Alfalfa requires high levels of Phosphorus and Potassium, which must be incorporated pre-plant. While established alfalfa fixes its own nitrogen, a small application of 15 to 25 pounds of nitrogen is beneficial for rapid early growth before the rhizobia nodules become active. Physical preparation involves creating a firm seedbed, ensuring the small seeds make adequate contact with the soil for uniform germination.
Initial Establishment and Irrigation Management
The first six to eight weeks after planting require careful moisture management to ensure a dense population. Initially, shallow, frequent watering is required to keep the top inch of soil moist, promoting rapid germination of the small seeds. This phase is important because alfalfa seedlings have little stored energy and can quickly dry out.
Once seedlings emerge and develop their first true leaves, irrigation must transition to deeper, less frequent applications. This encourages the taproot to grow downward, training the roots to seek moisture deeper in the soil profile for long-term drought tolerance. A viable stand maintains at least four established plants per square foot, which determines the field’s potential productivity. The first cutting should be delayed until the plants show signs of bloom, allowing the root crown to fully mature and store carbohydrate reserves for vigorous regrowth.