Astragalus membranaceus seed
Astragalus Membranaceus seeds have a hardcoat that needs to be worn down to allow water to penetrate. This process is called scarification and can be accomplished by rubbing the seeds on sand paper or putting them in a bag of course sand and rubbing them together. You can also use a knife to nick the seeds. Direct sowing outdoors is recommended over transplanting. The best time to sow milk vetch is early in the spring or in late fall. Astragalus Membranaceus prefers a deep, sandy, loose, slightly alkaline soil. Sow your seeds at a depth of ½” keeping the soil only lightly moist for germination. A final spacing of 12” is ideal, so you can choose to plant seeds in closer increments and thin out the extras. It is especially important to stress that the soil be loose so that the roots can develop well. Provide full sunlight for at least eight hours a day for your milk vetch seedlings and plants. Astragalus membranaceus often will not require supplemental watering. Water only if the plant looks like it is drying out. The roots are ready for harvest after three to four years of growth.