Choosing the right alfalfa seeds is the first and most important step in successful home sprouting. Using the wrong type of seed can result in poor germination, off flavours, or even food safety issues. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what to look for in alfalfa seeds to ensure a safe, fresh, and abundant harvest of homegrown sprouts.
Why Seed Selection Matters
Alfalfa seeds sold for planting in gardens or feeding to livestock are not intended for human consumption, especially when raw. These types of seeds may be treated with chemicals or processed in facilities that don’t meet food-grade safety standards.
Sprouting seeds, on the other hand, are handled with extra care to ensure they’re clean, safe, and ideal for indoor growing. Choosing seeds intended for sprouting ensures you’re starting with a product tested for purity and germination, reducing the risk of contamination.
1. Choose Seeds Intended for Sprouting
The best alfalfa seeds for sprouting are labelled as “sprouting seeds”. These seeds have been lab-tested for common pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella.
Sprouts grow in warm, moist conditions, which are perfect for bacterial growth. That’s why seed cleanliness is critical. Sprouting seeds give you peace of mind that you’re starting with safe, food-grade material.
2. Look for Organic or Untreated Seeds
If available, opt for certified organic alfalfa seeds. These are grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides and are free from chemical treatments.
If organic isn’t an option, make sure the seeds are at least untreated and clearly marked as safe for sprouting. Avoid any seeds labelled “not for human consumption” or “for garden use only.” These may be coated with fungicides or chemical agents that aren’t safe to eat.
3. Check the Germination Rate
High-quality alfalfa sprouting seeds should have a germination rate of at least 90%. A high germination rate ensures quick, even growth and full jars of lush green sprouts.
Signs of good quality include:
- Evenly sized seeds
- No dust, broken pieces, or foreign material
- Fresh smell and clean appearance
Low-quality seeds may sprout slowly, unevenly, or develop mould during the process.
4. Know the Source of the Seeds
It’s important to know where your seeds are coming from. Reputable seed companies usually provide information such as:
- Country of origin
- Batch or lot number
Look for seeds packed in Australia or by known sprouting seed suppliers with a reputation for quality. Local packing also ensures better freshness and traceability.
5. Avoid Garden Centre or Bulk Bin Seeds
Alfalfa seeds sold for gardening, fodder, or in open bulk bins may be cheap—but they are not suitable for sprouting. These seeds might be:
- Contaminated with soil, husks, or insects
- Stored in non-food-grade conditions
- Untested for human consumption
Sprouting requires clean, hygienic starting material. If the seeds weren’t packed with food safety in mind, don’t use them in a sprouting jar.
6. Buy in Small Batches to Start
If you’re new to sprouting, start with a small pack—about 100–200 grams. This lets you test the seed quality, sprouting performance, and flavour before investing in larger quantities.
Once you find a supplier and seed variety you trust, you can confidently buy in bulk to save money and reduce packaging waste.
What Should the Label Say?
Before buying, look for these key points on the product label or website description:
- Intended for sprouting
- Organic or untreated
- Food-grade packaging
Some brands also include sowing rates, and estimated germination time —all signs of a supplier that caters to home sprouters and microgreen growers.
Where to Buy Alfalfa Seeds for Sprouting
Choose a supplier that specialises in sprouting seeds or microgreens. Look for:
- Food-safe packaging
- Transparent product descriptions
- Australian-owned and packed (if shopping locally)
- Customer reviews and growing support
You can find a range of high-quality alfalfa sprouting seeds in our Sprouting Seed Collection, packed in Australia and tested for germination and food safety.
Summary
Good sprouts start with good seeds. By choosing quality sprouting seeds that are organic, untreated, and tested for safety, you set yourself up for a successful and rewarding growing experience.
Alfalfa sprouts are easy to grow, but they’re only as safe and nutritious as the seeds you begin with. Invest in quality, and you’ll enjoy fresh, crunchy, chemical-free sprouts in just a few days.
Ready to get sprouting? Follow our step-by-step guide to growing alfalfa sprouts at home.
