Clover – Red

Red Clover is a short-lived perennial legume commonly used in hayfield rotations, as forage for livestock, and for improving soil health through nitrogen fixation. Native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, it has been widely naturalized across North America and is a popular choice in both agricultural and ecological applications.

This species establishes easily, particularly in grass sods, due to its relatively high shade tolerance compared to other legumes. Red Clover thrives in cool, moist climates and well-drained, slightly acidic soils, though it can tolerate a range of conditions. It typically grows 12 to 36 inches tall and produces distinctive rosy-purple, ball-shaped flower heads from late spring through summer, which are highly attractive to pollinators.

Red Clover is often categorized as either single-cut or double-cut. Double-cut Red Clover, which produces multiple hay or forage harvests per year, flowers earlier and more frequently but is less winter hardy than single-cut varieties. It is often used in short-term rotations or as a soil-building cover crop.

As a perennial, Red Clover usually focuses on establishing strong roots and vegetative growth in its first year, with most flowering occurring in the second year and beyond. This is typical of many perennials, which prioritize plant establishment before blooming. In contrast, annuals bloom and set seed in their first growing season, making them quicker to flower but shorter-lived. This difference in lifecycle is one reason perennial seeds often cost more—they take longer to mature and produce viable seed after planting.

Red Clover not only improves soil by fixing nitrogen but also helps with erosion control and supports biodiversity by providing nectar for bees and other beneficial insects.

**For larger quantities than listed for sale please contact us for availability and pricing.

The broadcast rate for seeding is 20 – 25 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 10 pounds per acre.