SeedRanch Crimson Clover Seed (RAW) - 10 Lbs.

Crimson Clover Seed (RAW) — Trifolium incarnatum is a vivid, reseeding winter annual prized for forage and highway beautification. Plants grow erect with a shallow taproot and bear elongated, brilliant red flower heads that are often more than two inches long. The foliage is dark green and covered with dense hairs. Adaptation: This clover performs best on heavier, well-drained soils and does poorly on dry, sandy or poorly drained sites. It yields more forage at low temperatures than many other clover species and shows fair tolerance to acidic soils. Crimson clover is frequently sown in mixes with small grains and ryegrass and is commonly established in warm-season perennial grass pastures such as bermudagrass and bahiagrass, where it may reseed under certain management. Planting & Management: Seed at a rate of 20 to 26 pounds per acre. Most improved crimson clover varieties are adapted to Florida conditions, though they differ in spring maturity. Seeds typically germinate in the fall; plants focus on root development and produce little top growth initially, so minimal forage is available before February. Delay grazing until plants reach 6-8 inches of growth and terminate grazing when plants are 3-5 inches tall. Growth then accelerates until flowering begins around mid-April. Uses: Forage quality is very high — both leaves and stems are readily consumed. While commonly used for grazing, crimson clover can also be harvested as high-quality hay or silage. If the goal is to encourage natural reseeding, reduce grazing pressure for about three weeks when plants are in full flower.