Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Sweet Clover (Legumes)

Old Cobblers Farm™ Sweet Clover (Canada-grown) is a high-quality Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover seed selected for resilience, adaptability, and dependable performance across a wide range of climates. This biennial legume is valued for its deep taproot, strong nitrogen-fixing ability, and abundant yellow blooms that support pollinators while improving soil health.

During its first year, Sweet Clover focuses on building an extensive root system that penetrates compacted soils, improves drainage, and stabilizes erosion-prone ground. In its second year, it produces tall, vigorous growth topped with fragrant yellow flowers, making it an excellent choice for cover cropping, forage, habitat planting, and soil regeneration projects.

Canada-grown genetics ensure strong cold tolerance and reliable establishment in northern and transitional regions. Once established, Sweet Clover requires minimal input, tolerates drought, and performs well on a wide range of soil types, including marginal or low-fertility ground.

Seed Type & Composition

• Species: Yellow Blossom Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis)

• Lifecycle: Biennial

• Seed Type: Small, hard-coated seed (scarification recommended)

• Origin: Canada-grown

Naturally associates with nitrogen-fixing bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms, enriching soil for future crops.

Key Features / Benefits

• Fixes atmospheric nitrogen to improve soil fertility

• Deep taproot breaks compaction and improves structure

• Excellent drought tolerance once established

• Strong erosion control and ground stabilization

• Produces abundant yellow blooms that attract pollinators

• Performs well in poor or low-input soils

Best Uses

• Cover cropping & soil improvement

• Erosion control on slopes and disturbed ground

• Pollinator and habitat plantings

• Forage and green manure systems

• Crop rotation and soil rebuilding programs

Climate & Growing Conditions

• USDA Zones: 3–9

• Sun: Full sun preferred (tolerates partial shade)

• Soil pH: 6.0–7.5

• Soil Types: Loam preferred; tolerates clay and sandy soils

• Drainage: Well-drained soils perform best

Water & Drought Tolerance

• Keep soil evenly moist during germination

• Once established, highly drought-tolerant

• Avoid waterlogged conditions

Germination & Growth Timeline

• Germination: 7–14 days under optimal conditions

• Year 1: Vegetative growth and root development

• Year 2: Flowering, seed production, and maximum biomass

Scarification or natural overwintering improves germination due to hard seed coat.

Seeding Rates

• Planting Alone: 10–15 lbs per acre

• Overseeding / Mixes: 5–10 lbs per acre

• Planting Depth: ¼–½ inch

Broadcast or drill seed and ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Maintenance & Traffic Tolerance

• Maintenance Level: Low

• Mowing: Optional; mow first year at 12–18 inches if height control is needed

• Foot Traffic: Low tolerance – not recommended for lawns or walkways

Pest, Disease & Weed Performance

• Naturally competitive once established

• Good resistance to many common pests and diseases

• Dense growth helps suppress weeds

Why Choose Old Cobblers Farm™ Sweet Clover

Old Cobblers Farm™ selects seed for performance, adaptability, and consistent results. Our Canada-grown Sweet Clover is ideal for growers, land managers, and conservation projects seeking reliable establishment and long-term soil benefits with minimal inputs.

Ideal For

• Farmers and regenerative growers

• Conservation and restoration projects

• Pollinator-support plantings

• Low-input soil improvement systems