Best Alfalfa varieties for California 2026.
1 variety with documented performance data for alfalfa in California. Rankings reflect independent university trial data and publicly-documented agronomic fit — not seed-company marketing claims.
California variety selection lives or dies on irrigation district, salinity, and harvest cycle compatibility. Alfalfa fall dormancy 8–11 dominates where stand persistence matters less than maximum cuttings; small-grain variety trials at UC Davis are the regional standard.
WL Alfalfa Fall Dormancy 9
GoodFall dormancy 9 is appropriate for the Central Valley and Southern California where winter rest is short and stand life is driven by total cuttings per year. UC Davis runs an active alfalfa variety trial program that publishes head-to-head data including FD 8–11 entries.
Editorial top pick is selected based on overall performance rating and regional fit — not on seed-company sponsorship or affiliate relationships. Bield: Farm has neither.
Where this data comes from
Alfalfa variety trials in California
Independent · Public UniversityThese results come from independent university variety trials — not seed company marketing materials. Variety entries, planting dates, and harvest measurements are controlled by the trial program. Land-grant universities publish full results annually.
- UC Davis Small Grains Variety Trialssmallgrains.ucdavis.edu ↗
- UC ANR Cooperative Extensionucanr.edu ↗
Trial reports are typically released in January–March of the year following harvest. For Alfalfavariety selection, the most recent year’s report is the most relevant data source.
All reviewed varieties — California
- Fall Dormancy 9·Non-GMO·Seed Company Data
Fall dormancy 9 is appropriate for the Central Valley and Southern California where winter rest is short and stand life is driven by total cuttings per year. UC Davis runs an active alfalfa variety trial program that publishes head-to-head data including FD 8–11 entries.
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