Cockscomb Sainfoin Plant Care
Onobrychis crista-galli (L.) Lam.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Onobrychis crista-galli, also known as cockscomb sainfoin, is a unique plant with vibrant red flowers that resemble a rooster's comb. It is prized for its drought tolerance and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Cockscomb Sainfoin?
Water Cockscomb Sainfoin every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Cockscomb Sainfoin?
Cockscomb Sainfoin (Onobrychis crista-galli) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Onobrychis genus. Cockscomb Sainfoin is native to Europe, Asia, North Africa.
Cockscomb Sainfoin displays an upright, bushy perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Cockscomb Sainfoin produces small clustered flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cockscomb Sainfoin?
Onobrychis crista-galli requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cockscomb Sainfoin Need?
Cockscomb Sainfoin thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cockscomb Sainfoin Prefer?
Onobrychis crista-galli grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Cockscomb Sainfoin prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cockscomb Sainfoin?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Cockscomb Sainfoin to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cockscomb Sainfoin?
Feed Cockscomb Sainfoin every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cockscomb Sainfoin?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cockscomb Sainfoin?
Cockscomb Sainfoin can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white sainfoin plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cockscomb Sainfoin Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cockscomb Sainfoin, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cockscomb Sainfoin?
Cockscomb Sainfoin is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cockscomb Sainfoin Need?
Cockscomb Sainfoin grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Cockscomb Sainfoin is native to Europe, Asia, North Africa.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Cockscomb Sainfoin is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Onobrychis genus — compare its care with other Onobrychis species on PlantoScan.
Onobrychis is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Cockscomb Sainfoin thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Onobrychis crista-galli (L.) Lam., family Fabaceae (first published in Fl. Franç. 2: 652 (1779)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cockscomb Sainfoin, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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