Clover seeds are widely available for landscaping and agricultural purposes. They are a popular choice for homeowners and gardeners seeking alternatives to traditional turfgrass, cover crops for soil health, and plants that support local pollinator populations. Clover is a beneficial, low-maintenance option because it fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. Buying clover seed requires understanding the specific type needed, finding a reputable source, and interpreting the seed label for quality.
Choosing the Right Clover Type
The selection of clover seed depends on the intended use, as different varieties exhibit distinct growth habits. White Clover (Trifolium repens), often sold as White Dutch Clover, is a perennial variety known for its low-growing, spreading nature. This type typically matures to a height between four and ten inches. It is a common choice for mixing with grass or establishing a full ground cover that tolerates moderate foot traffic.
A specialized cultivar is Microclover, which has been bred to have smaller leaves and a shorter, denser growth habit, usually reaching only four to six inches tall. Microclover is favored for use as a turfgrass alternative because it is more tolerant of low mowing and tends to flower less frequently than standard white clover. This variety blends well with existing lawns, providing natural nitrogen to the surrounding grass. It is also resilient against drought and wear.
For temporary use, such as in vegetable gardens or agricultural fields, Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum) is a choice due to its rapid, erect growth. This type is an annual, completing its life cycle in a single season, and can grow up to three feet in height. Crimson Clover is valued for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Its vibrant red blooms also make it a beneficial plant for early-season pollinators.
Where to Purchase Clover Seeds
Clover seeds are easily accessible through several retail channels, depending on the buyer’s needs for volume and variety.
- Agricultural Supply Stores and farm cooperatives are the best sources for those seeking large quantities or specialized, farm-grade varieties. These locations typically sell seeds in bulk, which is ideal for planting large areas or for use as a cover crop.
- Local Garden Centers and Nurseries sell seeds in smaller bags. These shops offer the convenience of in-person shopping and can provide region-specific advice on the best varieties to plant.
- Large Chain Home Improvement Stores generally stock basic varieties of white and crimson clover seed, offering widespread availability for the casual buyer.
- Online Specialty Seed Retailers offer the most extensive selection, including microclover and other less common cultivars. They ensure high purity and often have the freshest seed lots available.
Understanding Seed Quality and Labeling
When buying clover seed, the seed tag or label provides required information about the quality of the product. The first metric is Purity, which is the percentage by weight of the bag’s contents that is the stated clover seed species. A purity percentage of 98% or higher is considered excellent quality, indicating a minimal amount of other material.
The Germination Rate is a percentage indicating how many pure seeds are expected to sprout under favorable conditions, typically ranging from 80% to 90%. Clover seeds may also list Hard Seed, which are viable seeds that will not germinate immediately due to a hard seed coat. These seeds may sprout later, contributing to the long-term viability of the stand.
Checking the percentages for Weed Seed and Inert Matter is also important. Weed Seed is the presence of undesirable species, which should ideally be 0.15% or less to avoid introducing new weeds. Inert Matter is non-living debris, such as chaff, dirt, or broken seed hulls; a high percentage can indicate a lower quality product. However, some seeds are sold with a coating of materials like clay or lime, often containing inoculants, which will increase the percentage of inert matter listed on the label.
Common Uses for Clover Seeds
A primary use for clover seeds is creating a low-maintenance Lawn Alternative or Supplement. When planted as a full lawn, clover remains green during drought periods because its deep root system accesses water lower in the soil profile than most turfgrasses. If mixed with an existing lawn, the clover’s natural ability to fix nitrogen reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, supporting healthier growth for the entire area.
Clover is also widely used as a Cover Crop and for Soil Improvement, particularly in vegetable gardens and farm fields. As a legume, clover forms a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in the soil, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. When the clover is tilled into the soil, it acts as a “green manure,” enriching the ground with fixed nitrogen and increasing its organic matter content.
Planting clover is a way to support Pollinator Health in any landscape. The flowers of white, red, and crimson clover are a source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. By providing this forage, clover contributes to local biodiversity and helps support the populations of insects essential for the pollination of many garden crops and native plants.