Sainfoin
Onobrychis viciifolia · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant sainfoin: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to July
- Adult size
- 16 to 31 inches in height
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -4°F)
- Origin
- Central Asia and Caucasus
- Soil type
- Well-draining, chalky, poor to moderate
- Habit
- Herbaceous perennial, bushy
Care
Light
Sainfoin thrives in full sun, which promotes abundant flowering and better nutrition. It tolerates partially shaded locations but produces fewer flowers. Avoid heavily shaded areas where the plant will become leggy.
Soil and planting
Prefer well-draining, dry to moist soil, preferably chalky or neutral. Sainfoin copes well with poor and stony soils, unlike many perennials. Loosen the soil at planting time and avoid compact or waterlogged soil in winter.
Watering
Once established, sainfoin is very drought-resistant thanks to its deep root system. Regular watering during the first two months after planting promotes root establishment. After that, natural rainfall is sufficient, except during prolonged dry spells.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary: as a legume, sainfoin captures atmospheric nitrogen through its root nodules. Impoverished soil actually suits it better, as excessive fertilizing would encourage excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and maintenance
Lightly cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms and maintain a compact habit. In late winter, remove dead foliage. No severe pruning is required; the plant regenerates naturally and often self-seeds spontaneously.
Health and pests
Sainfoin is rarely prone to disease if drainage is correct. Avoid excess moisture, which would promote root rot or fungal issues. Check for slugs during the young growth phase. In optimal conditions, it is virtually immune to pest and disease problems.
Did you know?
Sainfoin has been a traditional forage plant for centuries: farmers cultivated it to feed horses and livestock, appreciating its protein richness and natural ability to enrich soils. Its name comes from the Persian 'shafarkhān,' and it plays a major ecological role in beekeeping, as its nectar-rich flowers massively attract wild and domestic bees from spring onwards.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.