How to germinate Melilotus officinalis

Melilotus officinalis (Yellow Sweetclover) is a biennial legume native to Eurasia with nitrogen-fixing capability. Sweet-scented yellow flowers bloom May-September. Contains coumarin compound (toxic if moldy). Used as forage crop, soil improver, and pollinator plant.

Before sowing

Scarification

mecanica Hard seed coat present; some seeds require scarification to germinate; fire and heat can stimulate germination of hard seeds

Stratification

fria_depois_quente · 60 d

Smoke / fire

Fire stimulates seed germination; 60% of seeds germinated on burned sod

Seeds do not require cold stratification; however, alternating temperatures around freezing for 2+ months increase germination

Sowing

Substrate

loam soils with near-neutral pH or well-draining soil

Depth

0_5cm

Temperature

18°C

Moisture

media

Container

seed bed, direct sowing

Day/night swing

Alternating temperatures including near-freezing produce high germination percentages

What to expect

Step 1

Pre-treat the seed

Step 2

Sow at 0_5cm · 18°C

Day 7–14

Seedlings emerge (~88%)

Tips

Sow in spring (Feb-Apr) with sufficient moisture and cool temperatures. Seeds buried 1-3 inches deep germinate better. pH 5-6 optimal (>92% germination). Seeds sensitive to drought but tolerant to salinity. Avoid deep burial (>2 inches) which causes poor germination. Soil should be well-draining loam.

Sources: Ghaderi-Far et al. 2010 (Planta Daninha); USDA Forest Service FEIS; USDA-NRCS Plant Guide; Sheffield's Seed Company; University of Alaska; CABI Compendium

Fresh seeds to sow

Melilotus officinalis

Before sowing

Sowing

What to expect

Tips

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