Integrating clover into a lawn or pasture requires careful planning, particularly when determining the precise quantity of seed needed for successful establishment. Clover is a nitrogen-fixing legume valued for naturally fertilizing the soil, crowding out weeds, and maintaining color during drought. Calculating the correct seeding rate prevents waste and promotes a dense, healthy stand, whether for a low-maintenance lawn or a forage mix. The required amount is influenced by the specific clover type, its intended function, and the condition of the planting area.
Key Variables That Determine Seeding Quantity
The specific clover variety is a significant variable affecting the required seeding rate due to differences in seed size and growth habits. Tiny seeds, like those of Microclover or White Dutch clover used for lawns, mean less weight is needed per square foot. Conversely, larger-seeded types, such as Crimson or Red clover, require a higher weight per acre for a comparable number of plants. The intended purpose also dictates concentration, requiring a much higher rate for a pure, dense stand than for overseeding into established grass.
The quality of the seedbed profoundly affects the germination rate. Broadcasting seed onto compacted soil or thick thatch results in high seedling loss, necessitating a higher rate to compensate for poor seed-to-soil contact. A well-prepared, tilled, and firmed seedbed maximizes establishment success, allowing for a lower, more economical seeding rate. Seed quality, whether raw or coated, also plays a role, as the coating on pre-inoculated seed can account for up to a third of the total weight.
Calculating Standard Clover Seeding Rates
Recommended seeding rates vary significantly based on the clover type and desired outcome. For establishing a pure, dense clover lawn, White Dutch clover typically requires 4 to 8 pounds per acre, which translates to 0.1 to 0.2 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Microclover, due to its small size and dense growth, can be seeded slightly lower, around 0.08 to 0.1 pounds per 1,000 square feet for a dedicated stand.
When overseeding into an existing turfgrass lawn, the rate must be reduced to allow the clover to establish without overwhelming the grass. For White Dutch clover, 1 to 2 pounds per acre (0.02 to 0.05 pounds per 1,000 square feet) is usually sufficient. Pasture and forage mixes require different calculations since clover is mixed with grass seed. Red clover is common in mixed swards at about 3 pounds per acre, while White clover is included at 0.5 to 1.5 pounds per acre. Crimson clover, a larger-seeded annual, requires 15 to 30 pounds per acre when broadcast as a pure cover crop.
Site Preparation and Soil Needs
Proper site preparation is necessary to achieve the desired stand density and ensure successful germination. Clover establishes best in soil with a mildly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil test determines existing pH and nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus and potassium, which clover requires. If the soil is too acidic, apply lime several weeks before seeding to adjust the chemistry.
Controlling existing weeds is also necessary, as broadleaf herbicides will kill emerging clover seedlings. For overseeding, mow the area very short and aggressively rake or dethatch the turf to expose the soil surface. This scarification ensures the seeds make physical contact with soil particles for moisture absorption and root development. For a new planting, light tilling of the top quarter-inch creates a fine, firm seedbed ideal for shallow planting.
Application Methods and Establishment Care
The best time to apply clover seed is early spring or late summer to early fall, when soil temperatures are consistently between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This timing allows seedlings to establish before the stress of summer heat or winter cold. Because clover seed is small, use a hand-held or walk-behind broadcast spreader for even distribution. The seed is often mixed with an inert carrier like sand to prevent clumping and aid visibility.
The seed should not be buried deeply; the optimal depth is between one-eighth and one-quarter of an inch, as planting deeper than a half-inch hinders emergence. Lightly rolling the area or dragging a rake across the surface helps press the seed into the prepared soil, maximizing seed-to-soil contact. Maintaining consistent moisture in the top inch of soil is crucial until seedlings are fully established, which takes two to four weeks. Use frequent, light watering rather than heavy soaking, which can wash seeds away. If overseeding, delay the first mowing until the clover reaches a height of at least three inches.