Red Clover

What Red Clover is

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is an annual honey plant of the Pea family (Fabaceae). Red clover is one of the most important forage crops in the world and, together with timothy, the most important species for sowing home lawns and pastures.

From a nutritional point of view it is great for cattle, but it is also suitable for open-minded people.

Young plants that have not yet flowered can be added to salads, soups and stews, but it should be used sparingly, as its strong flavour can be an acquired taste.

The young flowers make a good tea when mixed with other herbs, or can be consumed on their own, although it is quite mild. It has a good reputation as a medicinal herb.

Clover is a honey plant and a green manure that enriches the soil with nitrogen.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 80%
• Seeds per packet: 2295–3105 pcs (5 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March – May; direct
• Flowering: June – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Red Clover

Red Clover seeds are sown in March – May. The plants flower from June to October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Red Clover

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 1 cm
• Spacing: broadcast
• Germination: 5–10 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot for planting outdoors. Red clover prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Loosen the soil to a depth of 10-15 cm using a garden spade or rotavator. Remove any weeds or debris from the area. Add organic matter such as compost to improve soil fertility and drainage. Spread the red clover seeds evenly over the prepared area. You can do this by hand or use a seed spreader for more even distribution. Red clover seeds are small, so there is no need to bury them. Simply press them lightly into the soil surface. Water the area generously after sowing to settle the seeds into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, during the emergence period, which usually takes 7-21 days.

Sow in spring or late summer.

Flowering and uses

Mow at flowering.

Frequently asked questions

When should Red Clover be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March – May. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 2295–3105 seeds, pack size 5 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 80%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.