Alfalfa Seeds Buying Guide: What Importers Need to Know

Q: What germination rate should I expect from quality alfalfa seeds?

Quality alfalfa seeds should have a germination rate of 85% or higher under ISTA standard testing conditions. Premium lots from Kohenoor International typically test at 88 to 92 percent germination. Germination rate is the single most important quality parameter for planting-grade alfalfa seeds, as it directly determines the number of established plants per unit area and first-year forage yield.

Q: What is alfalfa seed dormancy and why does it matter?

Alfalfa seed dormancy refers to the percentage of viable seeds that do not germinate immediately under standard conditions due to a hard seed coat that prevents water absorption. Dormancy ratings typically range from 10 to 40 percent. For temperate and irrigated regions, low-dormancy seed (under 15%) is preferred for rapid, uniform stand establishment. For dryland and arid regions, moderate dormancy (20 to 30%) is actually beneficial, as hard seeds germinate progressively over several rainfall events, improving long-term stand persistence.

Q: What is the crude protein content of alfalfa forage?

Alfalfa forage contains 24 to 28 percent crude protein on a dry matter basis when harvested at the pre-bloom to early bloom stage. This makes alfalfa one of the highest-protein forage crops available, significantly exceeding grass hays (8 to 14 percent protein) and most other legume forages. Protein content declines as the plant matures past full bloom, so harvest timing is critical. Kohenoor's varieties are selected for sustained high protein across multiple cuttings per season.

Q: How much alfalfa seed do I need per hectare?

The standard seeding rate for alfalfa is 15 to 25 kg per hectare, depending on the establishment method. Broadcast seeding requires higher rates (20 to 25 kg/ha) due to less uniform seed-to-soil contact. Drill seeding at 1 to 2 cm depth requires 15 to 20 kg/ha. Irrigated systems can use rates at the lower end of the range. For large-scale forage production, consult with Kohenoor International for variety-specific recommendations based on your climate zone and intended management system.

Q: What is the minimum order quantity and pricing for bulk alfalfa seeds?

Kohenoor International's minimum order for alfalfa seeds is 1 metric ton per variety. FOB Karachi pricing ranges from $1,800 to $3,500 per metric ton depending on variety, purity grade, and order volume. KN92 (arid-adapted) is typically at the higher end due to specialized production. Volume discounts are available at 5 MT and 10 MT thresholds. Current-season pricing is available on request via WhatsApp or email.

Q: How should alfalfa seeds be stored before planting?

Alfalfa seeds should be stored in a cool, dry location at temperatures below 25 degrees Celsius and relative humidity below 60 percent. Under proper conditions, alfalfa seeds maintain germination viability for 3 to 5 years, though planting within 12 to 18 months of harvest is recommended for optimal field performance. Seeds should be kept off the ground on pallets, away from direct sunlight, and in their original sealed packaging until use. Treated seeds (inoculant or fungicide) have shorter storage windows of 6 to 12 months.

By Kohenoor International Updated: April 2026 11 min read

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), known as lucerne in much of the world, is the most widely cultivated forage legume on earth. For dairy operations, livestock farms, and national forage improvement programs, sourcing high-quality alfalfa seeds in bulk is a decision that directly impacts animal productivity, feed costs, and soil health for years to come.

This guide covers everything importers need to evaluate when purchasing alfalfa seeds wholesale — from variety selection and dormancy ratings to purity specifications, pricing factors, and supplier quality indicators.

Kohenoor's 3 Alfalfa Varieties

Kohenoor International offers three distinct alfalfa varieties, each bred and selected for specific climate zones and management systems. Choosing the right variety for your region is the single most important factor in alfalfa establishment success.

Arid & Semi-Arid

KN92 — Arid-Adapted Alfalfa

KN92 is Kohenoor's proprietary selection developed over decades for hot, water-limited environments. It features deep root development (3+ meters in established stands), superior heat tolerance up to 45 degrees Celsius, and the ability to persist under deficit irrigation or seasonal rainfall as low as 250mm. KN92 maintains forage quality under water stress, with crude protein levels of 24 to 26 percent even during dry periods. Ideal for the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and arid zones of South Asia.

Tropical & Subtropical

Taiztar — Tropical Alfalfa

Taiztar is adapted for tropical lowland conditions where heat and humidity challenge most temperate alfalfa varieties. It tolerates daytime temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius — conditions that cause dormancy or death in standard varieties. Taiztar produces 6 to 8 cuttings per year under irrigation, with crude protein content of 25 to 27 percent. Suited to Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and tropical Latin America.

Temperate & Cool Season

Sardi — Temperate Alfalfa

Sardi is a winter-active variety for temperate and Mediterranean climates. It maintains growth at temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius and produces strong fall and early spring growth when cool-season forage is most valuable. With crude protein levels of 26 to 28 percent and excellent leafiness, Sardi is the premium choice for dairy operations in temperate zones. Suitable for the Mediterranean basin, temperate East Asia, southern Australia, and highland tropical regions.

Variety Comparison Table

Parameter	KN92 (Arid)	Taiztar (Tropical)	Sardi (Temperate)
Climate zone	Arid, semi-arid	Tropical, subtropical	Temperate, Mediterranean
Heat tolerance	Up to 45 C	Up to 42 C	Up to 35 C
Cold tolerance	Down to -5 C	Down to 5 C	Down to -15 C
Crude protein (% DM)	24-26%	25-27%	26-28%
Annual cuttings (irrigated)	5-7	6-8	4-6
Dormancy class	Non-dormant (8-9)	Non-dormant (9)	Semi-dormant (4-5)
Root depth at maturity	3-5 m	2-3 m	2-4 m
Stand persistence	4-6 years	3-5 years	5-8 years
FOB price range (USD/MT)	$2,500-$3,500	$2,200-$3,000	$1,800-$2,800

Understanding Dormancy Ratings

Alfalfa dormancy is rated on a scale of 1 (most dormant) to 11 (least dormant). Dormancy class determines how the plant responds to shorter day lengths and cooler temperatures:

Dormancy 1-4 (Dormant): Plants cease top growth and go fully dormant in winter. Maximum cold hardiness. Suited to northern temperate climates with harsh winters.
Dormancy 4-6 (Semi-dormant): Reduced but continued growth during cool seasons. Good balance of winter hardiness and year-round production. Kohenoor's Sardi variety falls in this range.
Dormancy 7-9 (Non-dormant): Little to no winter dormancy response. Maximum year-round production in warm climates. Kohenoor's KN92 and Taiztar varieties fall in this range.
Dormancy 10-11 (Highly non-dormant): Tropical types with no dormancy mechanism. Maximum growth but zero cold tolerance.

    Buyer tip: Matching dormancy class to your climate is critical. Planting a non-dormant variety in a region with hard freezes will result in winterkill. Planting a dormant variety in the tropics will result in unnecessary production gaps during the cool season. Always specify your latitude, altitude, and minimum winter temperature when requesting variety recommendations.
  

Purity and Germination Standards

Quality specifications for alfalfa seeds bulk orders should address the following parameters:

Quality Parameter	Minimum Standard	Kohenoor Premium Grade	Why It Matters
Pure seed (%)	98.0%	99.5%+	Higher purity = fewer weed introductions
Germination (%)	80%	85-92%	Determines plant population per hectare
Hard seed (%)	Varies	10-25%	Affects stand establishment timing
Other crop seed (%)	<0.5%	<0.1%	Prevents crop contamination
Weed seed (%)	<0.3%	<0.05%	Prevents weed introductions
Inert matter (%)	<2.0%	<0.5%	You pay for seed, not debris
Moisture content (%)	<12%	8-10%	Storage stability, accurate weighing
Noxious weed seeds	0 per kg	0 per kg	Regulatory requirement in most countries

Price Factors by Variety

Several variables influence alfalfa seeds wholesale pricing:

Variety type — specialized arid-adapted varieties like KN92 require unique production conditions, commanding higher prices than standard temperate types
Purity grade — achieving 99.5%+ purity requires multiple cleaning passes, increasing processing costs
Order volume — price breaks at 5 MT, 10 MT, and 20 MT thresholds
Season — prices are lowest post-harvest (June-August for Pakistan-origin seed)
Seed treatment — Rhizobium inoculant, fungicide, or pelleting adds $100-300/MT
Certification level — ISTA-certified lots and organic-certified seed carry premiums

Crude Protein Comparison

Alfalfa's primary value proposition is its protein content. Here is how it compares with other common forage crops:

Forage Crop	Crude Protein (% DM)	TDN (% DM)	Relative Feed Value
Alfalfa (pre-bloom)	24-28%	62-68%	150-185
Alfalfa (full bloom)	18-22%	55-60%	120-140
Red clover	16-20%	55-62%	110-140
Bermudagrass	10-14%	50-58%	80-110
Timothy grass	8-12%	55-62%	90-120
Corn silage	7-9%	65-72%	N/A

Shipping Considerations

Alfalfa seeds are shipped as dry agricultural commodities. Key logistics points for international buyers:

Packaging: Standard 25 kg or 50 kg PP woven bags, palletized. Jumbo bags (500 kg) available for large orders.
Container loading: A 20ft container holds approximately 18-20 MT of bagged alfalfa seed.
Phytosanitary certificate: Required for all international shipments; issued by Pakistan's DPP.
Fumigation: Phosphine treatment may be required depending on destination country regulations.
Transit time from Karachi: 12-18 days to Middle East, 20-28 days to East Africa, 25-35 days to Southeast Asia.
Temperature sensitivity: Alfalfa seed is not temperature-sensitive during transit; standard dry containers are suitable.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage protects your seed investment and maintains germination viability:

Store below 25 degrees Celsius and 60% relative humidity
Keep bags on pallets, off concrete floors (prevents moisture wicking)
Ensure adequate ventilation in the storage facility
Protect from direct sunlight and rodent access
Untreated seed maintains viability for 3 to 5 years under proper conditions
Inoculant-treated seed should be planted within 6 to 12 months
Conduct germination re-testing on seed stored longer than 18 months before planting

How to Evaluate Supplier Quality

Not all alfalfa seed suppliers deliver consistent quality. Use this framework to evaluate potential suppliers:

Supplier Evaluation Criteria

Variety documentation: Can they provide breeder descriptions, trial data, and variety registration?
Testing capability: Do they offer ISTA-accredited test results, not just in-house reports?
Sample policy: Will they send representative pre-shipment samples for your own testing?
Traceability: Can they trace seed from the production field through processing to the export lot?
Export experience: How many countries do they ship to? Can they provide buyer references?
Phytosanitary knowledge: Are they familiar with your country's specific import requirements?
Consistency: Can they supply the same variety and quality year after year?
Communication: Response time, English proficiency, willingness to negotiate terms

Order Premium Alfalfa Seeds

Kohenoor International supplies KN92, Taiztar, and Sardi alfalfa varieties — ISTA-tested, 99.5%+ purity, 85%+ germination. Get variety recommendations for your climate zone.

Request Alfalfa Seed Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What germination rate should I expect from quality alfalfa seeds?

Quality alfalfa seeds should have a germination rate of 85% or higher under ISTA standard testing conditions. Premium lots from Kohenoor International typically test at 88 to 92 percent germination. This is the single most important quality parameter, as it directly determines established plant population and first-year forage yield.

What is alfalfa seed dormancy and why does it matter?

Seed dormancy refers to the percentage of viable seeds that do not germinate immediately due to a hard seed coat. Dormancy ratings range from 10 to 40 percent. For irrigated regions, low-dormancy seed (under 15%) gives rapid, uniform stands. For dryland regions, moderate dormancy (20-30%) is beneficial as hard seeds germinate progressively over multiple rainfall events, improving long-term stand persistence.

What is the crude protein content of alfalfa forage?

Alfalfa contains 24 to 28 percent crude protein on a dry matter basis when harvested at pre-bloom to early bloom stage — one of the highest protein levels among forage crops, exceeding grass hays (8-14%) significantly. Protein declines as the plant matures past full bloom, so harvest timing is critical.

How much alfalfa seed do I need per hectare?

Standard seeding rate is 15 to 25 kg per hectare. Broadcast seeding requires higher rates (20-25 kg/ha), while drill seeding at 1-2 cm depth uses 15-20 kg/ha. Irrigated systems can use rates at the lower end. Contact Kohenoor International for variety-specific recommendations based on your climate and management system.

What is the minimum order quantity and pricing for bulk alfalfa seeds?

Minimum order is 1 metric ton per variety. FOB Karachi pricing ranges from $1,800 to $3,500 per MT depending on variety, purity grade, and volume. KN92 (arid-adapted) is at the higher end due to specialized production. Volume discounts apply at 5 MT and 10 MT thresholds.

How should alfalfa seeds be stored before planting?

Store below 25 degrees Celsius and 60% relative humidity. Under proper conditions, untreated alfalfa seeds maintain viability for 3 to 5 years, though planting within 12-18 months is recommended. Keep bags on pallets, off concrete floors, away from sunlight. Inoculant-treated seed should be used within 6-12 months.