White Clover

Description

White Clover, otherwise known as Trifolium Repens 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. The species name, Repens, is Latin for “creeping”. White Clover is a legume native to Europe and central Asia.

See our White Clover: Quick and Comprehensive Guide  for further information.

Optimal pH: Clovers are known to tolerate acidic soils, but White Clover prefers soils with a pH between 5.8 – 7.0. It can grow in many different types of soil, although it prefers clay soils.

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.

Optimal Planting Time: Mid-Autumn to early Winter in moist conditions. If irrigated, can be planted in Spring.

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

Water: White 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: White Clover can tolerate close mowing and  grazing.

Disadvantages of White Clover:

• White Clover can spread into unwanted areas such as lawns through lawn clippings and seeds, as well as via the running stems (stolons) which propagate new plants.
• White Clover needs moisture. It doesn’t tolerate drought conditions very well and needs summer rain or irrigation to thrive.
• 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 some simple fertilising.
• White Clover is relatively resistant to leaf diseases but can be prone to root or stolon rot in adverse conditions. Build-up of vegetation on aged stems and stolons can lead to susceptibility to developing disease and insect problems. However, regular cutting or grazing encourages new plant growth and removes this risk. In a pasture or a well maintained living mulch, risk of diseases and pests is low.
• For more details see our article The Pros and Cons of growing White Clover

Seed & package details: 100% White Clover Seed.

Ideal Usage: Lawn, Pasture Crop, Nitrogen Fixation, Attracting Bees.

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: Moderate