Red Clover Seeds
Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) is a vigorous, nitrogen-fixing legume often cultivated as green manure or fodder crop to enhance soil fertility. Known for its adaptability, it thrives in temperate areas and can be used for pasture, cattle grazing, hay, or silage. Its attractive, rose-colored spherical flowers and three-leaflet green leaves also make it suitable as an ornamental plant.
Seeding Rates
- Lawns: 10 grams per square meter (1kg/100m2).
- Pasture: 1 kg per square acre.
Important Note
This seed may be coated in Prillcote seed treatment. Batches may vary.
For more information see below tabs ‘Description’ and ‘Features’ to see if this grass suits you!
Blade
Broad
Colour
Medium Green
Growth
Upright
Growth Rate
Moderate
Detailed Description
Red Clover, also known as Trifolium Pratense, is a vigorous perennial legume renowned for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, enhancing soil fertility by fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil. This quality makes it an ideal component in crop rotation programs. Originally native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa, Red Clover is well-suited for well-drained, fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
The plant is characterized by its green leaves with three leaflets, featuring a characteristic pale crescent, and its large, spherical, rose-colored flowers. Both its flowers and leaves are edible and can be used as garnishes in dishes, adding aesthetic value to gardens as an ornamental plant.
Red Clover adapts well to a wide range of climatic conditions, soil types, and fertility levels. It thrives in temperate areas with mild conditions and consistent rainfall or irrigation throughout the year. Its robust nature makes it highly productive during the summer, suitable for use in pastures, cattle grazing, hay, silage, and as a soil improvement crop. It can also be incorporated into short-term pasture mixes.
For more details on how to cultivate and care for Red Clover, see our guide: Everything you need to know about Red Clover.
Optimal pH
While clovers can tolerate acidic soils, Red Clover performs best within a pH range of 5.5–7.0.
Sowing Tips
Ideally, sow seeds into soft topsoil or sandy loam. Broadcast the seeds at or near the soil surface and incorporate lightly with raking. To ensure optimal coverage and minimize seed wastage, use an appropriate seed spreader. Maintain soil moisture throughout the germination period and for at least 1-2 weeks after sowing through irrigation or rainfall.
Optimal Planting Time
Autumn to Spring, provided there is adequate irrigation.
Germination
Germination occurs in 7-14 days, depending on climate and conditions.
Water
Red Clover requires moisture and does not tolerate drought conditions well. It needs summer rain or irrigation to thrive but can tolerate some waterlogging.
Fertilising
Although it grows better in infertile conditions than many plants, a decent level of phosphorus is necessary. This can be supplemented with McKays Slow Release Lawn Fertiliser.
First Mowing
Mow once the roots are well-established to withstand the mowing process.
Mowing Frequency
Red Clover can tolerate close mowing and grazing.
Disadvantages of Red Clover
- Does not cope well with heat and requires consistent rainfall or irrigation, struggling in sub-tropical and tropical areas like Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
- Struggles with alkaline soils (pH 7+); soil preparation may be required.
- Risk of animal bloat when used as a stand-alone crop; consider companion planting with Perennial Ryegrass. Bloating is more common when used as hay.
- Susceptible to root rot.
Seed & Package Details
100% Red Clover. Independently tested with a seed testing certificate available upon request.
Ideal Usage
Suitable for use as a pasture crop, nitrogen fixation agent, and bee attractant.
Have any questions? Feel free to contact us and we’ll help you out.
Locations
Season
Warm season grasses thrive during the warmer months in Spring and Summer and may go dormant in cooler climates through winter.
Cool season grasses thrive during the cooler months in Winter
Seed information
Shade tolerance (Weather)
- Full Sun
- Part Shade
- Heavy Shade
- Full Shade
Drought tolerance (Weather)
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Traffic tolerance (Weather)
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Frost tolerance
- Poor
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Average days to germination
- 2-3 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-4 Weeks
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