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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Berseem Clover
Self-terminating cover crop—fixes 75-200 lbs N/acre then winter-kills cleanly. Non-bloating forage. Egyptian Clover. Trifolium alexandrinum.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
The self-terminating cover crop. Berseem Clover fixes 75-200 lbs of nitrogen per acre, produces high-protein forage, and then reliably winter-kills in northern climates without any effort or herbicide required. This clean winter-kill is its most valuable trait for cover crop rotations—it builds soil nitrogen all summer and then dies completely, leaving a residue-free seedbed for spring planting. No mechanical termination, no chemical burndown, no volunteer clover competing with the next crop.
Category
Legume
Type
Berseem Clover
Scientific Name
Trifolium alexandrinum
Zones
7-10 (as winter annual); Zones 4-6 (as summer annual that winter-kills cleanly)
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
The self-terminating cover crop. Berseem Clover fixes 75-200 lbs of nitrogen per acre, produces high-protein forage, and then reliably winter-kills in northern climates without any effort or herbicide required. This clean winter-kill is its most valuable trait for cover crop rotations—it builds soil nitrogen all summer and then dies completely, leaving a residue-free seedbed for spring planting. No mechanical termination, no chemical burndown, no volunteer clover competing with the next crop.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Inoculate with Rhizobium; plant after last frost
Step 2
No specific fertilizer requirement
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Plant 1/4 to 1/2" deep; firm seedbed
Step 5
Keep moist during germination
Step 6
First cut at 12-18"; let winter-kill naturally
Best For
Summer cover crop in northern zones that winter-kills cleanly|Nitrogen building before spring-planted crops|Multi-cut forage in warm climates|Non-bloating legume for livestock grazing|Cover crop rotations where clean spring seedbed is needed|Pollinator habitat during growing season|Interseeding with summer grasses or warm-season crops
FAQs
1.
What is sweet clover?
Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), also called Egyptian clover, is a fast-growing annual clover originally cultivated in the Nile Delta. It is the most widely grown clover globally, valued for rapid establishment, high forage yield, and excellent nitrogen fixation. Unlike red and white clover, Berseem does not cause bloat in livestock, making it one of the safest legumes for cattle grazing. It produces multiple cuttings per season when harvested at the proper stage.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Berseem clover is one of the fastest-establishing clovers available. It germinates in 5-7 days and produces harvestable biomass within 45-60 days of planting. Under ideal conditions, Berseem can produce 3-5 cuttings per season with 4-6 week intervals between harvests, yielding 3-6 tons of dry matter per acre annually. This rapid growth makes it an excellent emergency forage crop when traditional hay supplies are short.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Berseem clover is a true annual that completes its lifecycle in one growing season and does not overwinter in zones 6 and colder. It winter-kills at temperatures below 15-20°F. In zones 7-9, Berseem can be fall-planted and grown through winter as a cool-season annual. In northern zones (3-6), plant in spring after last frost for summer production. Berseem does not self-reseed as reliably as Balansa or crimson clover.
4.
Can Berseem clover cause bloat in cattle?
No—Berseem clover is one of the few legumes that does not cause bloat in ruminant livestock. This is due to its lower foam-producing saponin content compared to white, red, and Ladino clover. Berseem can be safely grazed as a pure stand without the bloat risk that requires mixing other clovers with grasses. This non-bloating characteristic makes it particularly valuable for intensive rotational grazing systems.
5.
What is the seeding rate for Berseem clover?
The All Purpose Mix performs in 3-8+ hours of direct sunlight. Optimal performance is at 4-6 hours. In shadier spots (3-4 hours), creeping red fescue carries the stand. In full sun (8+ hours), tall fescue tends to dominate over time. For less than 3 hours of direct sun, the Sun & Shade Mix is a better choice with its 65% fine fescue content designed specifically for heavy shade. The All Purpose is best described as a moderate-shade-tolerant blend.
6.
What fertilizer program does the All Purpose Lawn Mix need?
Apply 2-3 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually, with the white clover component providing an additional 0.5-1 lb N through biological fixation. Fall fertilization (September-October in zones 4-6) produces the best results. A simple program: 1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft in September, 1 lb in late October, and optionally 0.5-1 lb in late May. Avoid heavy spring nitrogen which promotes disease and weed pressure. Slow-release or organic fertilizers complement the clover's natural fertility contribution.
7
What is the best climate for Berseem clover?
Berseem clover thrives in mild, Mediterranean-type climates but adapts to a range of conditions. It grows best at temperatures between 60-80°F and does not tolerate extended heat above 95°F or cold below 15°F. In USDA zones 3-6, use Berseem as a spring/summer annual planted after last frost. In zones 7-9, plant in fall for winter/spring production. Berseem tolerates a wide soil pH range (5.5-8.0) and performs well on clay, loam, and even slightly saline soils.