White clover (Trifolium repens) is increasingly sought after by homeowners looking for a sustainable alternative to traditional turfgrass. This perennial legume offers several ecological benefits, including fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, which reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. It is also known for being resilient, often staying green during periods of drought when turfgrass may brown, and it requires less frequent mowing due to its lower growth habit.
Choosing the Right White Clover Variety
The first decision in establishing a clover lawn involves selecting the specific variety, as different forms offer distinct characteristics tailored to various aesthetic and maintenance goals. Standard white clover, often sold as Dutch White Clover, is the traditional choice for lawns and ground cover. This variety is characterized by a moderate height, typically growing 8 to 10 inches tall, and it produces frequent, larger white flower heads. While it is highly adaptable and cost-effective, its larger growth habit can lead to a less uniform appearance if not mowed periodically.
A newer, selectively bred option is microclover, which is a dwarf cultivar of Trifolium repens. Microclover features significantly smaller leaves and a more compact, lower-growing habit, generally staying around 4 to 6 inches tall, especially when mowed regularly. It is also known as a “shy bloomer” because it produces fewer flowers than the Dutch variety, which makes it a preferred choice for people wanting a more manicured look. Although microclover seed is typically more expensive than standard white clover, its dense growth blends well with existing turfgrasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue, providing a uniform, dark green appearance.
Beyond the seed itself, buyers must decide between purchasing seed or established plant plugs, depending on the urgency and scale of the project. Seed is the most economical option, particularly for covering large areas, and it is the standard method for overseeding an existing lawn. Plugs are small, rooted young plants that offer faster establishment and coverage, bypassing the vulnerable germination phase. However, plugs are considerably more costly and logistically complex to plant across a broad area, making them usually practical only for small patches or borders.
Primary Sources for Purchasing Clover Seed
Online specialty seed retailers are often the primary source for the widest selection, including the specific microclover cultivars. These dedicated vendors often provide detailed information on seed specifications, such as purity and germination rates, and they are typically the most reliable source for high-quality, certified lawn-grade seed. They also cater to bulk purchases, making them suitable for large-scale lawn conversions.
Local garden centers and independent nurseries present an opportunity to purchase smaller quantities and to find regionalized advice on planting. These locations are the most likely to stock clover in plug form, which can be useful for quick planting in small areas or for filling in bare spots. While the selection of specific microclover varieties may be limited compared to online stores, the benefit of immediate access and the ability to speak with local experts is a strong advantage.
Agricultural supply stores are a viable option for homeowners needing large volumes or seeking the most cost-effective solution. These stores specialize in bulk quantities of seed for farming and livestock forage, meaning they often sell standard Dutch White Clover in large bags at a reduced price per pound. Buyers should exercise caution when purchasing from these sources, as the seed may be intended for pasture use and may not always carry the same stringent certifications for purity and weed-free status as lawn-grade seed.
Big box home improvement stores also stock white clover seed. The selection at these retailers is generally confined to the more common Dutch White Clover, often sold in small to moderate-sized packages or as part of a grass seed mixture. While they are a quick source for small projects, they rarely carry the specialized microclover varieties or provide the bulk quantities found at agricultural suppliers.
Essential Buying Considerations and Quality Checks
Before purchasing, calculating the necessary seed quantity is a fundamental first step to ensure adequate coverage for the project. For a full white clover lawn replacement, a typical seeding rate for Dutch White Clover is approximately 2 ounces of seed per 1,000 square feet. If the goal is overseeding an existing turfgrass lawn, the rate should be lower, focusing on a mix that might include 5% clover by weight of the total seed mix. Microclover varieties generally require a higher seeding rate for a dense stand, often ranging from 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet for a full monoculture.
Buyers should check the product label for certification and purity information. Certified seed guarantees that the product has been tested to meet specific quality standards, including a maximum allowance for weed seeds and inert matter. The label will also indicate the percentage of Pure Live Seed (PLS), which is the true measure of viable seed in the package. This figure is calculated by multiplying the percentage of pure seed by the percentage of the germination rate.
Understanding the germination rate is important because it indicates the percentage of seeds expected to sprout under ideal conditions. A high germination rate ensures that the seed will establish quickly, and this rate is generally guaranteed for a specific period after testing. Buying seed that has been recently tested is recommended to avoid low establishment rates, especially for specialized and more expensive microclover varieties.
Timing the purchase to align with the best planting window is crucial for successful establishment. White clover seed is best sown in the late winter or early spring in northern climates once nighttime temperatures consistently exceed 40°F. In southern climates, seeding is often recommended in the late winter to early spring or during the late summer to early fall to take advantage of favorable moisture and temperature conditions for germination.