Alfalfa sprouts are one of the easiest leafy sprouts to grow at home. The fine seed germinates quickly, requires no soil and produces crisp, tender sprouts with a mild, fresh and slightly nutty flavour.
For the current Australian-grown Aurora variety, OzSprout recommends approximately 15g or 1.5 tablespoons of Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds per 500ml jar, a 6–8 hour soak, rinsing 2–3 times daily and harvest at approximately 5–6 days.
This guide explains how to grow alfalfa sprouts step by step, including soaking, rinsing, drainage, greening, harvesting, refrigeration and common problems.
Alfalfa Sprouting Guide at a Glance
| Growing Stage | Current OzSprout Guide |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Medicago sativa |
| Variety | Aurora |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Current germination rate | 94% |
| Seed quantity | Approx. 15g / 1.5 tbsp per 500ml jar |
| Soak time | Approx. 6–8 hours |
| Rinsing | Approx. 2–3 times daily |
| Growing temperature | Approx. 15–29°C |
| Harvest | Approx. 5–6 days |
| Flavour | Mild, fresh and slightly nutty |
Approximately 6–8 hours of soaking for small seeds such as alfalfa, followed by regular rinsing and thorough drainage so the developing sprouts remain damp without sitting in water.
What You Need to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts
- Alfalfa seed suitable for edible sprouting
- A clean glass sprouting jar
- A fine-mesh draining lid or screen
- A stand or position that holds the jar at a draining angle
- Clean drinking-quality water
The OzSprout Glass Sprouting Jar – 650ml Seed Sprouter combines a reusable glass jar, draining sieve lid and angled stand so soaking, rinsing and drainage can all be carried out in the same container.
Step 1: Measure the Alfalfa Seed
For the current OzSprout method, use approximately 15g or 1.5 tablespoons of dry alfalfa seed per 500ml jar.
Alfalfa seed is very small but expands into a surprisingly large volume of sprouts. Avoid using excessive seed simply because the dry seed occupies little space.
Overcrowding can make it harder to:
- Rinse the crop evenly
- Drain water effectively
- Maintain airflow
- Separate developing sprouts
If using a larger sprouting jar, still leave generous room for the crop to expand rather than filling the container with additional dry seed.
Step 2: Rinse the Dry Seed
Place the measured seed into the clean jar and add drinking-quality water.
Swirl gently, then drain.
This initial rinse removes loose dust and debris before the soaking stage.
Step 3: Soak Alfalfa Seeds for 6–8 Hours
Add enough fresh drinking-quality water to cover the seed generously.
Allow the alfalfa seed to soak for approximately 6–8 hours.
There is no benefit in leaving fine alfalfa seed submerged indefinitely. Once the seed has absorbed sufficient water, germination also requires access to oxygen.
After soaking:
- Drain all of the soaking water.
- Add fresh water.
- Swirl the seed gently.
- Drain completely again.
Step 4: Position the Jar for Drainage
After draining, place the jar at an angle with the opening facing downwards.
The aim is to allow residual water to escape while air continues to circulate through the draining screen.
Do not leave the jar standing upright with water pooled around the seeds.
Good sprouting conditions are moist but well drained. The seed needs regular access to water, but it should not remain submerged after the initial soak.
Step 5: Rinse and Drain 2–3 Times Daily
Current OzSprout guidance is to rinse alfalfa sprouts approximately 2–3 times each day.
For each rinse:
- Add fresh drinking-quality water to the jar.
- Swirl gently so the sprouts are thoroughly wetted.
- Drain the water completely.
- Return the jar to its angled draining position.
During warmer conditions, an additional rinse may occasionally be useful if the crop is drying rapidly.
The important point is not simply how often water enters the jar. Thorough drainage after every rinse is equally important.
Step 6: Allow the Alfalfa Sprouts to Develop
Keep the jar in a well-ventilated indoor location away from hot direct sunlight.
The current OzSprout growing range is approximately 15–29°C, although moderate indoor temperatures are generally easier to manage than the extremes of this range.
During the first few days you should see:
- The seed coat soften
- A small white root emerge
- The root lengthen
- A pale stem begin to develop
- Small cotyledon leaves begin opening
Germination is not perfectly synchronised. Some seeds may develop slightly ahead of others.
Step 7: Green the Sprouts Before Harvest
Alfalfa sprouts need little light during early germination.
As the cotyledons begin opening near the end of the growing period, move the jar into bright indirect light for a short period if you want greener leaves.
Avoid hot direct sunlight. Glass jars can heat rapidly in a sunny window, particularly during Australian summer conditions.
Normal bright indoor light or indirect natural light is sufficient for this final greening stage.
When Are Alfalfa Sprouts Ready to Harvest?
Current OzSprout guidance is approximately 5–6 days.
Healthy alfalfa sprouts at harvest should generally have:
- Slender white to pale-green stems
- Small developed cotyledon leaves
- A crisp, tender texture
- A mild fresh smell
- No slime or obvious deterioration
Temperature and seed batch can affect the exact timing, so use the appearance and condition of the crop as well as the day count.
How to Harvest Alfalfa Sprouts
- Give the finished sprouts a final thorough rinse.
- Drain as completely as practical.
- Allow excess surface moisture to escape.
- Transfer the sprouts to a clean food-safe container.
- Refrigerate promptly.
Freshly harvested alfalfa sprouts are delicate, so avoid tightly compressing them into a container.
How to Store Fresh Alfalfa Sprouts
Store harvested alfalfa sprouts refrigerated at 5°C or below.
Excess surface moisture can accelerate deterioration, so drain the sprouts well before refrigeration.
Use them while they remain fresh and crisp rather than relying only on a fixed storage period.
Discard sprouts that become:
- Slimy
- Unusually discoloured
- Mouldy
- Soft or decayed
- Sour, rotten or strongly musty in smell
What Do Alfalfa Sprouts Taste Like?
Alfalfa sprouts have a mild, fresh flavour with a subtle nutty character. Their texture is tender with a light crunch.
Because the flavour is relatively delicate, alfalfa works well in:
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Salads
- Fresh rolls
- Grain bowls
- Savoury garnishes
They can also be combined after harvest with stronger sprouts such as broccoli or radish.
Alfalfa and Lucerne: Are They the Same Plant?
Yes. Alfalfa and lucerne are both common names for Medicago sativa.
In Australia, “lucerne” is commonly used when discussing the mature plant as a pasture or forage crop, while “alfalfa” is widely used for the young edible sprouts.
Common Alfalfa Sprouting Problems
The Sprouts Are Not Germinating Evenly
Check:
- Seed age
- Storage conditions
- Soaking time
- Growing temperature
- Whether the seed has been left sitting in excess water
If you store larger seed packs between crops, see How to Store Sprouting & Microgreen Seeds for Better Germination.
The Sprouts Are Clumping Together
Alfalfa develops into a dense mass of fine shoots.
During rinsing, gently redistribute the sprouts by swirling the water through the jar. If the crop remains excessively crowded, reduce the starting seed quantity for the next batch.
The Sprouts Smell Sour or Musty
Healthy alfalfa sprouts should have a mild fresh smell.
A sour, rotten or strongly musty odour is a reason to discard the crop rather than tasting it to decide whether it is acceptable.
The Sprouts Are Slimy
Slime is a sign of deterioration. Discard the batch.
There Is White Fuzz Around the Roots
Fine root hairs can occur naturally on young sprouts and are part of normal root development.
Possible mould is more concerning when growth spreads irregularly between seeds and sprouts or occurs together with slime, decay, collapse or abnormal odours.
For a detailed comparison, see Mould vs Root Hairs on Sprouts & Microgreens.
Raw Alfalfa Sprout Food Safety
Raw alfalfa sprouts require particular food-safety care. The NSW Food Authority advises that raw sprouts can carry bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria. Alfalfa is among the sprout varieties most commonly linked to food poisoning.
Even very hygienic growing conditions cannot guarantee bacteria-free sprouts because contamination can already be present on seed.
- Use seed suitable for edible sprouting.
- Wash hands before handling seed or sprouts.
- Use clean sprouting equipment.
- Use drinking-quality water.
- Drain thoroughly after every rinse.
- Refrigerate finished sprouts promptly.
- Discard any crop showing signs of deterioration.
People at increased risk from foodborne illness—including pregnant women, young children, some older people and people with weakened immunity—should follow current Australian advice and avoid raw or lightly cooked sprouts. Thorough cooking reduces the risk associated with sprouts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Alfalfa Sprouts
How much alfalfa seed should I put in a jar?
Current OzSprout guidance is approximately 15g or 1.5 tablespoons per 500ml jar.
How long should alfalfa seeds soak?
Approximately 6–8 hours.
How often should alfalfa sprouts be rinsed?
Current OzSprout guidance is approximately 2–3 times daily, with thorough drainage after every rinse.
How long do alfalfa sprouts take to grow?
Approximately 5–6 days under suitable growing conditions.
What temperature is best for alfalfa sprouts?
Current OzSprout guidance is approximately 15–29°C. Moderate indoor temperatures are generally easier to manage than very hot conditions.
Do alfalfa sprouts need sunlight?
They require little light during early germination. Bright indirect light near harvest can help the small cotyledons develop a greener colour.
Can I grow alfalfa sprouts without soil?
Yes. Alfalfa sprouts are normally grown in a jar or sprouter using soaking, rinsing and drainage without soil or growing medium.
Why are my alfalfa sprouts not green?
If the shoots have developed but the leaves remain pale, give them a short period of bright indirect light near harvest. Avoid hot direct sunlight.
Can I mix alfalfa with other sprouting seeds?
Alfalfa can be combined with compatible small-seeded varieties, but beginners will usually get more predictable results by growing each crop separately and mixing the finished sprouts after harvest.
Prefer Fresh Alfalfa Sprouts?
If you do not want to grow your own batch, OzSprout also offers Fresh Alfalfa Sprouts – Grown to Order.
Fresh alfalfa sprouts are grown specifically for confirmed orders rather than maintained as regular ready-to-ship stock. To arrange an order, email admin@ozsprout.com.au with the quantity required. Availability and expected timing are confirmed before the crop is grown.
How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts Successfully
The basic method is simple:
- Use approximately 15g / 1.5 tablespoons of seed per 500ml jar.
- Soak for approximately 6–8 hours.
- Drain completely.
- Rinse approximately 2–3 times daily.
- Keep the jar angled between rinses.
- Maintain airflow and avoid hot direct sunlight.
- Give the developed sprouts bright indirect light near harvest if greener leaves are preferred.
- Harvest at approximately 5–6 days.
- Drain thoroughly and refrigerate promptly.
Once you understand the basic soak, rinse and drain routine, alfalfa is one of the easiest sprouts to grow consistently at home. For the broader method covering other seed sizes and varieties, see How to Grow Sprouts in a Jar.