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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Ladino Clover
Large-type White Clover for pasture and food plots. Fixes 100-200 lbs N/acre. High protein forage, wildlife attraction. Trifolium repens var. latum. Zones 4-8.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
The giant White Clover—Ladino is the large-type variety of Trifolium repens, growing 8-14 inches tall with leaves and flower heads 2-3 times the size of common Dutch White Clover. It fixes more nitrogen (100-200 lbs N per acre), produces significantly more forage, and provides higher protein content for livestock. Ladino is the preferred clover for dairy pastures, wildlife food plots, and any application where forage yield matters more than staying below lawn mowing height.
Category
Legume
Type
Ladino Clover
Scientific Name
Trifolium repens var. latum (Ladino type)
Zones
4-8
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
The giant White Clover—Ladino is the large-type variety of Trifolium repens, growing 8-14 inches tall with leaves and flower heads 2-3 times the size of common Dutch White Clover. It fixes more nitrogen (100-200 lbs N per acre), produces significantly more forage, and provides higher protein content for livestock. Ladino is the preferred clover for dairy pastures, wildlife food plots, and any application where forage yield matters more than staying below lawn mowing height.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Inoculate with Rhizobium; test pH (6.0-7.0)
Step 2
Apply P and K based on soil test (no N)
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Plant 1/4" deep max; firm seedbed
Step 5
Keep moist during germination
Step 6
Graze when 4-6" tall and well-rooted
Best For
Dairy and livestock pasture improvement|Wildlife food plots (deer, turkey, rabbit)|High-protein forage production|Mixed stands with orchardgrass or bromegrass|Nitrogen fixation for companion grasses|Pollinator habitat (large flower heads attract bees)|Cover cropping for soil nitrogen building
FAQs
1.
What is Balansa clover?
Ladino clover is a giant variety of white clover (Trifolium repens) that grows 2-3 times larger than Dutch white clover. Ladino produces taller stems (8-14 inches), larger leaves, and more biomass, making it the preferred clover for forage, food plots, and hay production. While Dutch white clover is better for lawns due to its low growth, Ladino is better for pastures, deer plots, and cover crop applications where maximum nitrogen fixation and forage yield are the goals.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Ladino clover produces 2-4 tons of dry matter per acre annually under good management—significantly more than Dutch white clover. As a forage, Ladino clover contains 20-25% crude protein, making it one of the highest-protein forages available. In mixed pastures with grasses, Ladino typically contributes 30-40% of total forage yield while providing nitrogen fixation that sustains the companion grasses.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Seed Ladino clover at 2-4 lbs per acre as a pure stand, or 1-2 lbs per acre when mixed with grasses. Ladino seed is slightly larger than Dutch white clover seed but still very small. For food plots, use 4-6 lbs per acre for dense stands. Always inoculate with Rhizobium inoculant specific to white clover before planting. Seed should be broadcast on a firm seedbed and lightly rolled or cultipacked—do not bury deeper than 0.25 inches.
4.
Is Ladino clover good for deer food plots?
Ladino clover is one of the top food plot species for whitetail deer. Its high protein content (20-25%), palatability, and extended growing season (April-November in most zones) make it a preferred forage. Deer selectively graze Ladino over most other food plot plantings. A well-managed Ladino stand can last 3-5 years before requiring renovation, providing multi-year food plot value from a single planting.
5.
Can Ladino clover cause bloat in cattle?
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 soil conditions does Ladino clover need?
Ladino clover requires well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0 and moderate to good fertility. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions or highly acidic soils (below 5.5 pH). Ladino is more demanding than red or alsike clover regarding soil quality—it performs best on loam soils with good moisture retention. Apply lime if soil pH is below 6.0 and ensure adequate phosphorus and potassium levels before planting.