Canadian Milkvetch SEEDS.COVER CROPS, green manure

Canadian Milkvetch is a legume that is native to Canada and most of the United States. The greenish, cream colored flowers appear in mid to late summer. Canadian Milkvetch is excellent for pollinator and wildlife plantings.

Sowing: For fall planting, direct sow the seed 1/2" deep; it will remain dormant until spring. Before spring planting, scarify by pouring hot water over the seed and soaking it for 24 hours; direct sow the seed 1/2" deep. Germination may be irregular and slow, but should take place within 4-8 weeks. Germination may be improved by mixing the scarified seed with moist sand and storing it in the refrigerator for 10 days before planting. This plant does not transplant well and should not be started indoors.

Growing: This plant adapts to almost any kind of soil including sand or clay, but prefers moderately moist conditions and full sun; it cannot tolerate shade. Seedlings should be watered regularly, while mature plants may only need water in dry periods. Since this plant develops rather slowly, it may not bloom until its second year of growth. Unless it has competition, it can become rather aggressive once established. The blossoms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, honeybees and bumblebees.

Harvesting: These attractive flower spikes make wonderful cut flowers. Cut the stems near ground level to allow for new growth.