Used in lawns, as a ground cover, cover crop, for erosion control, and in pasture mixtures. Usually matures between 4 to 8 inches. Many homeowners include White Dutch Clover in their lawn seed mixture because clover sprouts fast and grows so dependably that it's a valuable aid in getting a new lawn started.
Nodules on the roots fix nitrogen from the air. Actually, up to 1/3 the nitrogen your lawn needs can be obtained from white dutch clover! Grows vigorously even in poor clay subsoil around new home construction. If you want all the benefits of a cover crop but don't want to till early or mow, clover is your best bet. Getting a good stand of white clover is a first and critical step to success with this high quality, persistent crop.
Since white clover is usually grown with a cool season perennial grass (may be planted alone too), it is usually either seeded at the same time as the grass or seeded into an existing grass stand.
Seeding Rate Seeding rates vary with geographic location, seeding method, and seeding mixture. In general, rates 1/4 lb per 1000 square feet or 6 to 8 lbs per acre are recommended.
Seeding Depth The ideal seeding depth is approximately 1/4-inch maximum, but under favorable weather and soil conditions, seed present on the soil surface may germinate and become established. Good seed-soil contact is important to ensure rapid germination and emergence.
Seeding Time In the Southern USA, white clover is seeded in late winter or early spring and in late-summerautumn. In the Northern USA, most white clover is seeded in early spring or late summer.
Seeding Method White clover can be seeded by many no-till or minimum till techniques and by broadcast seeding. In conventional seedbeds, white clover is almost always seeded with a perennial grass for lawns or hard or sheeps fescue for erosion control. Just scatter the seeds, rake lightly, and keep the seed moist until it sprouts!
After sprouting occurs, cut back watering as root development starts taking place and less water is needed. Withstands mild drought, grows well all over the U.S., even on barren soil where nothing else wants to grow. Winter hardy and it stays so low you can just till it under in spring if you are using it for a cover crop.
Weeds The best weed control is provided by a vigorous white clover-grass stand. If necessary, white clover-grass stands can be mowed to remove grass leaves and seedheads and to suppress broadleaf weeds and woody vegetation.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
