White clover (Trifolium repens) is a popular perennial legume used as a sustainable alternative to traditional turfgrass. This low-growing plant forms a dense, green ground cover that requires less water and mowing than traditional grass. White clover benefits the soil through nitrogen fixation, a symbiotic process that converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. This natural process reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious lawn and garden management. This guide details the essential considerations and specific places to purchase high-quality white clover seeds.
Selecting the Appropriate White Clover Variety
The first step in purchasing white clover seed involves choosing the correct variety for your specific application. The two main types available are Dutch White Clover and Micro-Clover, which differ significantly in growth habit and cost. Dutch White Clover is the traditional variety, growing to a height of four to eight inches and producing numerous, visible white flowers. This type is generally more aggressive and is the most cost-effective choice for cover crops, pastures, or large-scale lawn alternatives.
Micro-Clover, which includes cultivars like ‘Pipolina’ or ‘Pirouette’, is a dwarf variety specifically bred for lawn use. It features smaller leaves, often one-third to one-half the size of the Dutch variety, and a lower growth habit, typically reaching only three to six inches. Micro-Clover is ideal for overseeding into existing turfgrass as it blends seamlessly and flowers less frequently, creating a more uniform, manicured appearance. However, Micro-Clover is a specialty seed and costs significantly more per pound than the standard Dutch White variety.
Regardless of the variety chosen, look for seeds that are pre-inoculated or nitro-coated. Inoculated seeds are coated with the specific Rhizobium bacteria needed to initiate nitrogen fixation in the soil. This coating ensures a higher rate of successful nodulation, which creates natural fertilizer for the clover and surrounding plants. Checking the seed label for a minimum germination rate, usually around 80%, and a low percentage of inert matter confirms the overall quality of the product.
Online Specialty Seed Retailers
Purchasing from specialized online seed retailers offers the widest selection of white clover varieties. Dedicated lawn and turf companies, or agricultural seed banks, often carry specific cultivars like Micro-Clover that are difficult to find locally. These retailers provide detailed sourcing information and performance data, which is important for specialized applications. Their business model focuses on seed viability, often providing products with high germination rates and the necessary inoculation.
Online sources can handle both small packets and large bulk orders, often providing transparent pricing that scales down with quantity. When selecting a vendor, check customer reviews specifically mentioning seed performance and purity, rather than just shipping experience. Utilizing these specialty sites ensures you receive the exact cultivar needed, such as Micro-Clover for a dense lawn or a specific grazing-tolerant Dutch variety.
Local Supply Stores and Bulk Options
For immediate needs, local stores provide convenient purchasing options for white clover seeds. Home improvement stores and local garden centers typically stock smaller bags of Dutch White Clover, suitable for patching or small overseeding projects. While the selection is often limited to the most common variety, the benefit is instant availability without shipping costs or delays.
Farm and feed supply stores, along with agricultural co-ops, are the best destinations for buying white clover seed in bulk. Since white clover is a common forage and cover crop, these suppliers sell in large quantities, often 25-pound or 50-pound bags, and sometimes even by the pound from open bins. The cost per pound is significantly lower at these agricultural suppliers compared to retail garden centers. When buying in bulk, always check the packaging for the expiration date or the date of the germination test to ensure seed freshness before committing to a large purchase.