Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) is a popular annual legume used to enrich soil fertility, control erosion, and serve as high-quality forage for livestock. Its rapid growth and ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen make it a valuable addition to many planting systems, from large agricultural fields to small garden plots. Acquiring the right seed involves understanding the specifications that ensure a successful planting.
Identifying Reliable Sources for Purchase
The availability of crimson clover seed ranges from specialized online vendors to local brick-and-mortar stores, offering different advantages based on the buyer’s needs. Specialty seed retailers, often operating online, are resources for those needing large volumes or specific cultivars. These companies maintain extensive inventories and offer competitive pricing for bulk orders, making them the primary choice for large-scale cover cropping or farming operations.
Local agricultural co-ops and feed stores provide a convenient option, particularly for smaller acreage or when immediate planting is necessary. These local suppliers often stock regionally adapted seed varieties and mixes suitable for the area. A benefit of using local co-ops is the access to on-site expertise, as staff can offer tailored advice regarding local soil conditions and optimal planting times.
Horticultural supply stores and gardening centers usually carry crimson clover in smaller packets or bags, catering to homeowners and small-scale gardeners. While the price per pound is higher at these outlets, they are ideal for testing a variety, planting a small pollinator patch, or establishing a cover crop in a raised bed. These smaller-volume purchases are easy to integrate into existing garden supply orders.
Key Purchasing Considerations
Regardless of the vendor, seed quality is determined by specific certifications and product details found on the seed tag. The germination rate indicates the percentage of seeds expected to sprout under ideal conditions. Paired with the purity percentage, these figures allow buyers to calculate the Pure Live Seed (PLS) rate. PLS is a precise measure of the viable seed in the bag and is a more accurate metric than simple weight.
Buyers should pay attention to the specific cultivar being offered, as crimson clover is not a monolithic product. Varieties like ‘Dixie’ are commonly available and are known for being a reliably winter-hardy annual in many regions. Selecting a named cultivar over a generic “common” seed lot may offer better regional adaptation or specific traits, such as improved winter survival or disease resistance.
Whether the seed is coated or uncoated is a consideration, as this impacts both the planting process and the effective seeding rate. Coated seed is pre-inoculated with the specific Rhizobium bacteria needed for the clover to fix nitrogen effectively. This coating, often composed of lime or clay, can account for 30% to 50% of the total seed weight. This means a pound of coated seed contains fewer actual seeds than a pound of raw seed. While the coating offers protection and convenience by eliminating the need for separate inoculation, it necessitates careful adjustment of the planting rate to ensure an adequate stand density.
Calculating Seed Needs and Cost
Determining the required seed quantity depends on the intended purpose of the crimson clover planting. For use as a dense cover crop or a pure forage stand, the recommended seeding rate falls in the range of 20 to 35 pounds per acre. If the clover is planted in a mix with grasses or other legumes, the rate can be reduced to 4 to 15 pounds per acre. Calculating the Pure Live Seed is essential for accurate application, especially when working with coated seed, to avoid under-seeding.
Budgeting for crimson clover seed involves considering price fluctuation based on volume and quality. Purchasing in 50-pound bags or greater results in a lower cost per pound compared to purchasing small, one-pound quantities. Premium options, such as certified organic seed or named, improved cultivars, will command a higher price than conventional common seed.
When buying in bulk, proper storage is necessary to maintain viability, especially if not all the seed will be used immediately. Pre-inoculated seed has a limited shelf life, often around one year, as the Rhizobium bacteria on the coating will eventually die off. Any excess inoculated seed stored beyond this period should be treated with a fresh inoculant before planting to ensure optimal nitrogen fixation.