Last time I found alfalfa meal in the feed store it had molasses in it where the pellets didn't. I think, and others can definitely correct me on this if I'm wrong, that uncomposted sugar products use nitrogen from the soil to break down, so in the short term, it will deplete nitrogen. So if the meal didn't have molasses in it they're the same thing just in a in different form.

I think the pellets are easier to distribute than the meal which flies all around. I don't know about the molasses, but you do want to be sure no salt is added to the alfalfa.

Meal from my feed store is straight alfalfa, no additives. If you don't see what you want, just ask at the counter. Most feed stores are happy to order for you at no charge with their next order from their distributor - that's what mine does and they were even familiar with it's use on roses. Next time, I think I will get the pellets though. The meal is so fine, it tends to fly around when scooping and distributing.

You can mix the meal in with a bag of composted manure amendment, and put them together around the rose. Water after. That should keep it in place and not flying about.

It will take a while for the benefits however, whereas with the tea, the plant gets the tricontanol right away.

Here is a link that might be useful: Alfalfa Tea