World SeedSowing forage seed in South Africa
A reference for growers, dairies and importers in South Africa: the species that perform in your climate, when to sow, seed rates per hectare, and the seed standards to demand from any supplier.
Species suited to South Africa
Selected from what South Africa growers import and what performs in comparable climates. Each links to the full variety page.
Alfalfa (Lucerne) Seed
Medicago sativa
Rhodes Grass Seed
Chloris gayana
Sorghum & Sudan Grass Seed
Sorghum bicolor / S. sudanense
Sesbania Seed
Sesbania sesban / S. aculeata
Panicum (Guinea / Mombasa Grass) Seed
Megathyrsus maximus (Panicum maximum)
Brachiaria (Signal / Ruzi / Mulato type) Seed
Urochloa (Brachiaria) spp.
Sowing and harvest windows
| Species | Sowing window | First cut / harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa (Lucerne) Seed | Oct–Nov (autumn); Feb–Mar spring in cool zones | First cut 60–75 days; 6–10 cuts/yr irrigated |
| Rhodes Grass Seed | Mar–Apr or Aug–Sep, soil >18 °C | First cut 90–100 days; 5–8 cuts |
| Sorghum & Sudan Grass Seed | Mar–Jul, soil >16 °C | Green chop 55–65 days; 2–3 cuts |
| Sesbania Seed | Apr–Jul | Green manure incorporate 45–60 days |
| Panicum (Guinea / Mombasa Grass) Seed | Mar–May or Aug–Sep, soil >20 °C | First cut 70–90 days; 6–8 cuts |
| Brachiaria (Signal / Ruzi / Mulato type) Seed | Mar–May or with rains | First grazing 90–120 days; 5–7 cuts |
Seed rates and depth
| Species | Seed rate kg/ha | Depth cm | Purity / germination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa (Lucerne) Seed | 20–25 | 1–1.5 | 99% min / 85% min |
| Rhodes Grass Seed | 8–10 | 0.5–1 | 98% min / 80% min |
| Sorghum & Sudan Grass Seed | 25–30 forage / 8–10 grain | 2.5–4 | 98% min / 85% min |
| Sesbania Seed | 30–40 | 2–3 | 98% min / 90% min |
| Panicum (Guinea / Mombasa Grass) Seed | 6–8 | 0.5–1 | 95% min / 70% min |
| Brachiaria (Signal / Ruzi / Mulato type) Seed | 8–10 | 1–2 | 90% min / 60% min |
Seed standards to demand
Ask any supplier for an ISTA-format report showing purity, germination, moisture and other crop seed. Reject alfalfa with any dodder (Cuscuta) seed.
Importing seed into South Africa
DALRRD requires Phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of origin, Import permit. Discharge at Durban; transit from Karachi 16–20 days sea.
- Phytosanitary certificate
- Certificate of origin
- Import permit
Where to source
The varieties above are produced and tested by Kohenoor International in Sindh, Pakistan, and exported worldwide. seedsexporter.com/markets/za
Frequently asked questions
What is the best forage seed for South Africa?
It depends on season and irrigation: alfalfa and Rhodes grass for irrigated year-round systems, berseem and Persian clover for cool-season, sorghum and pearl millet for hot summers. See the species list above.
When should I sow alfalfa in South Africa?
In the cool season when soil is 10–25 °C, usually the autumn window shown in the calendar above.
How many kg of seed per hectare?
Alfalfa 20–25 kg/ha, berseem 25–30, Rhodes grass 8–10, sorghum 25–30 (forage), pearl millet 8–10. Full table above.
What seed standards should I demand?
Purity 99 %, germination 85 % minimum, moisture under 10 %, zero dodder, with an ISTA-format test report.
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