When to plant
Sow in early spring or late summer. Cool-season grower that tolerates frost. White clover is a perennial lawn alternative; red clover is a biennial/short-lived perennial. Establishes quickly and fixes nitrogen within 4–6 weeks of germination.
Soil & site
Clover grows in almost any soil and actually improves it — nitrogen-fixing root nodules feed the soil. Very tolerant of poor, acid, or clay soils. pH 6.0–7.0 preferred but will grow in wider range. One of the best soil-building cover crops.
Feeding
Does not need fertilizing — it makes its own nitrogen. Phosphorus and potassium help establish the stand, but clover is largely self-sustaining.
Common problems
Clover mites, clover root borer. Crown rot in very wet soils. Can be outcompeted by aggressive weeds when establishing — weed early. Sclerotinia disease in dense plantings in cool, wet weather.
When to harvest
For cover crop use, clover is at peak nitrogen content when it begins to flower — this is the ideal time to cut or till it in. For forage or hay, cut just before peak bloom. For tea/culinary use, harvest fully open flower heads in the morning. For seed, let flowers dry completely and turn brown.
How to harvest
Cover crop: mow at ground level and till into the top few inches of soil at least 2–3 weeks before planting the next crop. For culinary flowers, snip flower heads and use fresh or dry on a screen. For seed collection, shake dried brown heads into a bag and winnow lightly.
Storage & use
Fresh flowers: edible in salads, mild sweet flavor. Dry flowers for tea — red clover tea has a traditional use in herbal medicine. Dried flowers store 6–12 months in airtight jars. As a cover crop, it's not harvested for human use — simply incorporated into the soil.
Useful for growing clover
A few things that make this one easier — chosen for this plant, not a generic list.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through one we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. More.
Growing Clover this season?
Sprout Together plans your beds, tracks planting and harvest timing for your area, and keeps every guide in your pocket — free.
Get it on the App Store