Crimson Clover

Crimson Clover is a striking, fast-growing legume that features deep red flowers, creating a vibrant contrast in any garden or field. Its lush green foliage and vivid blossoms make it an attractive addition to landscapes and gardens. Known for its versatility, Crimson Clover is not only beautiful but also highly beneficial as a cover crop. It enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, improving soil structure, and providing valuable organic matter. The deep taproot of this clover helps break up compacted soil, improving water retention and drainage. Crimson Clover is also an excellent choice for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, creating a wildlife-friendly environment. Additionally, it offers great erosion control, making it perfect for planting on slopes or areas prone to soil degradation. Crimson clover fixes up to 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre, and prefers well-drained, loam soils with good organic matter content for best results. The seeds and flowers are edible; seeds can be sprouted and used in salads or sandwiches, or dried and ground into flour; the flower heads can be used fresh or dried as a tea.

Also Known As: Red Clover, Crimson Trefoil, Scarlet Clover, Purple Clover, Clover Blossom, Cowgrass, Dutch Clover, Trifolium Incarnatum, Italian Clover, and Giant Red Clover.

Plant Name:	Clover, Crimson
Latin Name:	Trifolium incarnatum
Days to Germinate:	5-11
Days to Bloom:	80
Plant Height:	8 - 20 Inches
Spread:	12 - 18 inches
Bloom Diameter:	1 - 2 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	2-10
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier.

Planting:

Plant Crimson Clover seeds directly outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked (soil temperature is least 50F). Transplanting is not recommended. Scatter the seeds over the prepared soil surface and lightly press them 1/4 inch into the soil or cover seeds thinly with soil. Or broadcast at a rate of 15-20 pounds per acre for larger areas then rake lightly to cover seeds. Gently water after planting. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 6-12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6-12 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Once established, Crimson Clover are cold-tolerant, hardy, and adaptable. Keep soil moist until established as Crimson Clover can tolerate moderate drought. Since Crimson Clover is nitrogen-fixing, fertilization is usually not needed. Crimson clover can tolerate light frost but may need protection, such as a light mulch, in areas with severe cold. Mow or trim the clover before it sets seed if you intend to use it as a cover crop or to extend its growing season.