Sainfoin Distribution
We have research information from the following countries;Canada, USA, England, Switzerland, Russia, Poland, Bulgaria, Turkey, France, Romania and Armenia.
We have not had much contact with the southern hemisphere however and would like to hear from all countries about their experiences with sainfoin...we would welcome contact with anyone who has worked with the species, please email us from our Email Page.
The fact that it has been grown in Canada and the former Soviet Union indicate that the crop is very winter hardy as well as drought resistant.
In the UK sainfoin was grown mainly in the southern half of England where the soil type suited it, e.g. free draining chalk or limestone areas, also sandy soils around Newmarket. This gave rise to local strains some of which are still available.
Formerly, two types of sainfoin were recognised, "Giant" sainfoin, lasting 1.5 - 2 yrs (also known as Single Cut) and "Common" sanfoin, lasting up to 7 yrs (also known as Double Cut).
To my knowledge, there is no Giant seed available in Europe, nor can I see the advantage of growing it.
- by Robin Hill of Cotswold Seeds
