Crimson Clover flowering annual legume in the pea family (Fabaceae), known for its striking, cone-shaped deep crimson-red flower heads making this one of the most spectacular clovers when in bloom. It produces trifoliate (three-part) large leaves with rounded tips and no leaf marks. It has a tap root and both leaves and stems are covered in short hairs. It is native to Europe and parts of western Asia but is widely grown around the world. Crimson Clover is often grown as a winter annual but can be grown as a summer annual in northern portions of the US. Crimson is a versatile plant used for forage, soil conservation , green manure crop and source of pollen for bees.
CLICK HERE to download Crimson Clover technical data sheet as seen below.
Seeding rate per pound: |
2 per 1000 SqFt |
Climate Zones (see map) |
2-5 |
Native To: |
Europe |
Life Cycle: |
Annual |
Exposure: |
Full/Partial Sun / Shade |
Height (inches): |
12-21 |
Bloom Period: |
Spring - Summer |
Flower Color(s): |
Red |
Water Requirements: |
Moderate |
Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum)
- Widely adapted, grows throughout the U.S.
- Attracts bees, butterflies and beneficial insects
- Annual, tall growing upright canopy smothers out cool-season weeds
- Rapid germination and establishment provides high biomass organic matter
- Nitrogen fixing bacteria returns 70–150 lbs of nitrogen per acre
Seeding Rates:
- If seeding alone seed at the rate of 2 pound per 1,000 square feet
- If seeding with grasses or wildflowers seed at the rate of 0.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet
Establishment:
-
In southern climates seed in September or Octoer
-
If being planted on a prepared seedbed, seeding in early autumn will result in more autumn and early winter growth.
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Clover does best with a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Specifications:
Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum)
95% Minimum purity
80% Minimum Germination
5-10% Minimum Hard Seed*
80,000 seeds per pound
*Hard seed is a viable seed that takes longer to germinate.
Total germination is the combination of germination and hard seed content %
For instructions on seeding and care: Planting Clover Seed