The decision to establish a clover lawn, either as a stand-alone groundcover or mixed with traditional turfgrass, represents a shift toward a lower-maintenance and more ecologically beneficial landscape. Clover varieties, which are legumes, naturally enrich the soil and maintain a green appearance even during periods of drought. This guide focuses on sourcing the correct seed, which is foundational for successfully cultivating this alternative lawn type.
Selecting the Best Clover Variety for Turf
Choosing the right clover variety is the first step, as different types offer distinct growth habits suitable for specific lawn goals. The two most common options for turf applications are White Dutch Clover (Trifolium repens) and Microclover, a specialized cultivar of White Dutch. White Dutch Clover is the traditional choice, characterized by its aggressive spread, larger leaves, and profuse white flowering. It grows relatively tall, reaching heights of six to eight inches if left unmowed, and is a robust nitrogen fixer.
Microclover is a newer variety developed to address some drawbacks of the traditional type. It features significantly smaller leaves, grows more densely, and maintains a lower profile, typically reaching only four to six inches in height. This dwarf habit and reduced tendency to flower make Microclover ideal for overseeding existing turfgrass, providing a uniform appearance that blends seamlessly with the lawn.
The intended use should guide the selection. White Dutch is often favored for a full clover monoculture or large areas where cost is a factor. Microclover is generally preferred for mixed-turf lawns and high-traffic areas due to its dense, low growth and resilience. Microclover seed is significantly more expensive than White Dutch, but its performance in a mixed lawn is often considered superior.
Specialized and General Retailers for Seed Purchase
The source of the seed is directly linked to its quality and the likelihood of successful establishment. Specialized online seed retailers are often the best source for high-quality, pure clover seed, particularly for Microclover varieties like ‘Pipolina’ or ‘Pirouette’. These vendors typically offer seeds with a high purity rating and germination percentage, often selling bulk quantities with clear labeling. Always verify the seed label, as a lower percentage of “other crop seed” or weed seed ensures a cleaner planting.
Big-box home improvement stores offer convenience but often stock lower-quality seed mixes that may contain a high percentage of inert matter. Some mass-market seeds are sold with a clay or polymer coating, which can account for up to 50% of the bag’s total weight. While coated seeds hold moisture and can aid germination, this often makes them a less economical choice for larger areas.
Local garden centers and regional agricultural supply stores provide valuable alternatives, especially for buying White Dutch Clover seed in bulk. Local nurseries often possess regional knowledge about which varieties perform best in the specific climate. Agricultural supply stores, often called feed stores, are excellent for bulk purchases of White Dutch Clover, though they may not carry specialized Microclover cultivars.
Essential Steps for Successful Seeding
Once the appropriate seed has been purchased, proper site preparation is the next step in ensuring successful establishment. Clover requires good seed-to-soil contact and a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth and nitrogen-fixing capability. A soil test can confirm the pH level, allowing for the application of lime or sulfur to make necessary adjustments before planting.
Initial site preparation should focus on removing existing weeds and thinning out dense turfgrass to expose the soil surface. For a new lawn, this may involve tilling or using a non-selective herbicide, followed by raking to create a fine, loose seedbed. Aerating the soil before seeding is beneficial, as it reduces compaction and promotes better root development.
The optimal planting time is either early spring or early fall, when air temperatures are mild and the soil remains consistently moist. Planting during this period, when soil temperatures are between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, allows seedlings time to establish deep roots before summer heat or winter cold. Since clover seed is very small, mixing it with an inert material like sand or fine sawdust helps ensure an even spread across the planting area.
The seed should be broadcast onto the prepared soil and lightly raked in. Aim for a shallow planting depth of no more than 1/8 to 1/4 inch, as clover requires light to germinate. The new seedbed must be kept consistently moist for the first two to four weeks until the seedlings are fully established.
Ongoing Care and Management of Clover Lawns
Once the clover is established, the long-term care requirements are lower. Clover’s deep root system provides excellent drought tolerance, allowing it to remain green during dry periods when grass may turn brown. Established clover typically only requires deep watering during prolonged periods of extreme drought.
Clover has a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria, which allows it to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This process acts as a natural fertilizer, eliminating the need for synthetic nitrogen applications, which can favor competing grasses. If soil nutrients other than nitrogen are deficient, apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus and potassium.
Mowing frequency can be significantly reduced; a clover lawn needs to be cut only every two to four weeks, if at all. Keeping the mower deck set high, between three and five inches, encourages the clover to spread and helps suppress other weeds naturally. Broadleaf weed killers must be avoided entirely, as they will also destroy the clover plants.