Alfalfa's Terminal Bud

When the terminal flower bud appears on an alfalfa stem, flowering will follow in a few days.  This is a visual signal that forage quality will decrease.  Harvesting when most stems have visible terminal buds is ideal for the best combination of high forage yield and high quality.  Most modern varieties can be harvested at this stage without undo rapid stand thinning.  A small terminal flower bud can be distinguished from a vegetative bud by feel (a small knot).