Micro Farm LabSprouts
Alfalfa Sprouts
Medicago sativa
Alfalfa is the mildest and most versatile sprout, and the most popular worldwide for absolute beginners. It provides isoflavones, saponins, vitamin K, C and folate.
- Harvest
- Harvest: 5–7 days
- Temperature
- Temperature: 64–75 °F (18–24 °C)
- Difficulty
- Difficulty: Easy
Quick step-by-step
Soak the seed
Soak the seeds for 8 hours before starting.
Set up the jar
Use a 1 L (34 oz) glass jar with mesh or screen, tilted 45° upside down, away from direct light.
Rinse 3 times a day
Rinse 3 times a day for the first 3 days, draining well each time.
Give it light on the last day
On the last day, move it into indirect light so it greens up from chlorophyll.
Harvest in 5 to 7 days
Yield runs about 15 g (0.5 oz) of seed to 150 g (5.3 oz) of sprouts.
Common mistakes
Not draining well
Poor draining leads to mold or fermentation. Keep the jar tilted at all times to drain.
Leaving the jar in the heat
Above 26 °C (79 °F) the initial soak water ferments fast: change it if it's hot.
Guide in progress
We're working on the full guide for this crop. Leave your email and we'll let you know when it's ready.
