Hunter River Lucerne Seeds
Botanical name: Medicago sativa
Family: Legume family Fabaceae
Other names: Alfalfa
Coverage: Approx. 1000m² per kg – Traditional perennial legume for pasture, forage, and soil health in temperate and subtropical climates.
Hunter River is a proven, Australian-bred lucerne variety known for its reliability, adaptability, and strong regrowth after cutting or grazing. This deep-rooted perennial is valued for its ability to fix nitrogen, improve soil structure, and support biodiversity. It performs best in well-drained, fertile soils and is widely used in pasture mixes, cover cropping, and forage systems.
Why Choose Hunter River?
Hunter River is one of the most established and widely used lucerne varieties in Australia. Though it lacks aphid resistance, its excellent persistence and consistent forage quality make it a reliable option for a wide range of applications. It also plays a key role in attracting pollinators and building long-term soil fertility.
Key Benefits:
- Fixes nitrogen into the soil to boost fertility
- Improves soil structure and adds organic matter
- Provides excellent forage and ground cover
- Attracts bees and beneficial insects when flowering
- Deep taproots help break up compacted soils and improve drainage
Plant Details:
- Plant Type: Perennial legume; drought tolerant once established
- Growth Height: 50–90 cm
- Pest Note: No resistance to aphids – monitor during growing season
Sowing Information:
- Sow When:
- Temperate regions: Autumn to Spring
- Subtropical regions: Late Autumn to early July
- Germination: 7–14 days depending on soil moisture and temperature
- Depth: Sow 0.5–1.5 cm deep
- Position: Full sun; avoid shaded or waterlogged areas
- Sow Where: Direct sow into prepared beds, pasture, or cover crop plots; broadcast and lightly rake in
- Soil Type: Requires well-drained, fertile soil; avoid acidic conditions (pH 6.0–8.0 preferred)
- Spacing: Pasture: 5–10 kg/ha in mixes; 12–20 kg/ha for pure stands
Maintenance:
- Maintain soil moisture during germination and early growth
- Cut or graze regularly to encourage regrowth and prevent lignification
- Monitor for aphid activity in warmer months
Soil Incorporation or Use:
Can be used as a green manure, permanent pasture, or forage crop. For soil-building, cut before flowering and incorporate or mulch in place. In no-dig systems, chop and leave to break down as surface mulch.
