Red Clover

Description

Red Clover otherwise known as Trifolium Pratense, derives its name from the Latin tres, “three”, and folium, “leaf”, so called from the characteristic form of the leaf, which usually but not always has three leaflets. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwest Africa.

It is a short-term (2–3 years) perennial legume. Most growth occurs in Summer and Autumn. Best suited to well-drained, fertile, slightly acid to neutral soils. Suited to high rainfall with a good proportion of it during summer. Red clover is relatively easy to remain free of disease and pests.

See our guide: Everything you need to know about Red Clover

Optimal pH: Clovers are known to tolerate acidic soils, however it performs best in a pH range of 5.5–7.0.

Sowing Tips: Ideally, sow seed into soft top soil or sandy loam. Broadcast the seed at, or very near, the soil surface and incorporate lightly with raking. To ensure best coverage and avoid seed wastage we recommend using an appropriate seed spreader for the size of your area. Soil must remain damp throughout the germination period of both seeds and must be maintained for at least 1-2 weeks after sowing, through irrigation or natural rainfall. Performs best on well-drained fertile loamy soils of moderate to heavy texture. Moderate tolerance to soil aluminium. Does not thrive on poorly drained soils. Low tolerance to saline soils.

Optimal Planting Time: Autumn to Spring, if irrigated.

Germination: 7-14 days, climate and condition dependent.

Water: Red Clover needs moisture. It doesn’t tolerate drought conditions very well and needs summer rain or irrigation to thrive. It has the ability to tolerate some waterlogging.

Fertilising: Whilst it will grow more successfully in infertile conditions than other plants, it will not grow without a decent level of phosphorus in the soil. Luckily, this can be solved with by using McKays Slow Release Fertiliser.

First Mowing: Once roots are established enough to withstand the mowing process.

Mowing Frequency: Red Clover can tolerate close mowing and  grazing.

Disadvantages of Red Clover:

• It doesn’t cope well with heat, and ideally needs consistent rainfall or irrigation throughout the year. Red Clover will struggle in the sub-tropical and tropical areas or Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
• While a relatively unfussy plant when it comes to soil quality, Red Clover has been known to struggle with alkaline soils. If your soil has a pH of 7+, you may need to prepare it with a soil mixture prior to sowing.
• If planted as a stand-alone crop, Red Clover has been known to occasionally bloat animals. This being the case, Red Clover may be companion planted with a Perennial Ryegrass. Bloating most often occurs when the clover is used as hay.
• Susceptible to root rot. 

Seed & package details: 100% Red Clover.

Independently Tested: A seed testing certificate is available on request.

Ideal Usage: Pasture Crop, Nitrogen Fixation, Bee Attracting.

NOTE: Pasture Seed and Animal Health

When purchasing seeds through McKays Grass Seeds, the buyer acknowledges that McKays Grass Seeds is not liable for any animal health issues that may arise from our pasture seeds.

It is the buyers responsibility to contact a certified agronomist to ensure they are purchasing the correct seeds, in the correct quantities for their property, location and animals.

Where can I sow this grass in Australia? Areas 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Shade tolerance: Good

Daily Sunlight required: 4+ hours

Drought tolerance:  Good

Frost Resistance: Excellent

Traffic Tolerance: Fine