SeedRanch Crimson Clover Seed (RAW) - 20 Lbs.

Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) from SeedRanch is a reseeding winter annual prized for its vivid red, elongated flowers — often exceeding two inches — and its dark green, densely hairy leaves. The plants grow upright and develop a shallow taproot system, producing very high-quality forage with both leaves and stems readily consumed. Soil and adaptation: This clover performs best on heavier, well-drained soils and tolerates soil acidity fairly well. It does poorly on dry, sandy ground and on poorly drained sites. Compared with other clovers, crimson clover yields more forage under low-temperature conditions. It is commonly sown with small grains and ryegrass and is frequently established in warm-season perennial grass pastures (bermudagrass and bahiagrass); under some management it will reseed. Planting and establishment: Seed at 20 to 26 pounds of seed per acre. Seeds typically germinate in the fall. During establishment plants put energy into root development and show very little top growth, so expect minimal forage availability prior to February. Grazing and management: Delay grazing until plants reach 6-8 inches of growth and stop grazing when plants are 3-5 inches tall. Crimson clover then grows rapidly until flowering, which typically begins about mid-April. While it is commonly grazed, it can also be harvested as high-quality hay or silage. If your goal is to encourage natural reseeding, reduce grazing pressure for about three weeks when plants are in full flower.