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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Red Clover
Classic hay and pasture legume fixing 75-200 lbs N/acre/year. High-protein forage, pollinator habitat, frost-seeding friendly. Trifolium pratense. Zones 3-7.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
The classic New England hay and pasture legume—Red Clover fixes 75-200 lbs of nitrogen per acre annually, eliminating the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer in mixed stands. Its purple-pink flower heads are iconic across northern farmland, and its ability to establish quickly and produce high-protein forage in just 2-3 months from seeding makes it the most practical nitrogen-fixing companion for timothy, orchardgrass, and other hay grasses. Red Clover is a short-lived perennial (2-3 years), so plan for reseeding in year three.
Category
Legume
Type
Red Clover
Scientific Name
Trifolium pratense
Zones
3-7
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
The classic New England hay and pasture legume—Red Clover fixes 75-200 lbs of nitrogen per acre annually, eliminating the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer in mixed stands. Its purple-pink flower heads are iconic across northern farmland, and its ability to establish quickly and produce high-protein forage in just 2-3 months from seeding makes it the most practical nitrogen-fixing companion for timothy, orchardgrass, and other hay grasses. Red Clover is a short-lived perennial (2-3 years), so plan for reseeding in year three.
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 to 1/2" deep; firm with cultipacker
Step 5
Keep moist during germination
Step 6
Harvest at 1/4 bloom; do not cut below 3"
Best For
Mixed hay with timothy or orchardgrass|Pasture improvement and nitrogen addition|Frost seeding into existing grass stands|Cover cropping for soil nitrogen building|Pollinator habitat (excellent bee forage)|Short-term soil improvement before other crops|Green manure and plow-down for garden nitrogen
FAQs
1.
What is Dutch white clover?
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a short-lived perennial legume used as a cover crop, forage crop, and soil builder. It fixes atmospheric nitrogen at 75-200 lbs per acre annually, reducing fertilizer costs. Red clover is commonly planted to improve soil fertility between cash crops, provide high-protein forage for livestock, attract pollinators with its purple-pink flowers, and suppress weeds through dense canopy growth.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Red clover germinates in 7-14 days when soil temperatures reach 40-45°F minimum. Optimal germination occurs at soil temperatures of 60-70°F. Seedlings are visible within 10 days under ideal conditions and establish a usable stand within 60-90 days of planting.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Plant red clover in early spring (March-April) as soon as soil can be worked, or in late summer (August-September) for fall establishment. Spring plantings benefit from frost seeding—broadcasting seed onto frozen ground in late February to early March and allowing freeze-thaw cycles to work seed into the soil. Fall plantings should be completed 6-8 weeks before first expected frost to allow adequate establishment.
4.
What is the seeding rate for red clover?
Broadcast red clover at 8-12 lbs per acre as a pure stand, or 4-6 lbs per acre when mixed with grasses. For small areas, use approximately 0.25-0.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. When frost seeding into existing pasture or lawn, use 6-8 lbs per acre. Inoculate seed with the correct Rhizobium inoculant before planting for maximum nitrogen fixation.
5.
How much nitrogen does red clover fix in the soil?
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
Can you mix red clover with grass seed for lawns and pastures?
Yes. Red clover mixes well with cool-season grasses including perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, orchardgrass, and timothy for pasture applications. For lawn use, red clover is less common than white clover because it grows taller (12-24 inches) and produces conspicuous flower heads. In pasture mixes, red clover typically comprises 20-30% of the seed blend by weight, providing nitrogen fixation that reduces fertilizer needs for companion grasses by 50-75%.