Sainfoin produces Nectar and Pollen for Honeybees and Bumblebees. This nectar is secreted exceptionally freely and it is considered one of the highest yielding honey plants. The flowers of Sainfoin attract huge numbers of insects. Sainfoin may attract up to ten times more bees than white clover.

When Sainfoin flowers, it is so appealing to Honeybees that they will often ignore all other nectar sources to forage on it.

It is a Perennial which can last up to 4/5 years.

It requires no added fertilizers, Sainfoin is drought tolerant. Common or single-cut Sainfoin flower mainly in the year after establishment.

It can be difficult to establish but once established it will come back each year and flower.

Probably best sown in the late spring. In common with many members of the pea family, Sainfoin seed exhibits hard-coat dormancy. If it is important to have a good germination rate you could try a light scarification.

Sowing time            Best Time is late Spring April to May
Flowering time:       May, June, July, August, September.

Seed rate                  10 gram to the square metre

Soil type:                  Suits free-draining chalk or sandy soils.