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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Red Clover

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Product Overview

Description

Deep-rooted, bunch-type perennial grass. Excellent heat and drought tolerance for a cool-season grass. Coarse texture but improved varieties available. Deep roots (3-6 feet) access subsoil moisture. Good traffic tolerance. Note: Select endophyte-free for livestock.

Preferred Climate

Cool-season. Zones 4-8 (transition zone specialist). Heat tolerant to 95°F+. Drought tolerant once established. Wide adaptation. Tolerates wet or dry soils.

The Science Behind It

Scientific Name

Trifolium pratense

Best Use

Lawns in transition zone, sports turf, pastures (endophyte-free), erosion control, roadsides, utility turf

Nutrients Available

Zones 4-9, Northeast, Midwest, Pacific NW

How to Apply

Plant red clover in early spring (March-April) or late summer (August-September) when soil temps are 50-65°F. Drill at 8-10 lbs/acre or broadcast at 10-12 lbs/acre. Frost seeding in February-March works exceptionally well - broadcast onto frozen ground and let freeze-thaw cycles work seed into soil. Seed depth should not exceed ¼ inch. Inoculation with Rhizobium trifolii is essential for nitrogen fixation. Expect germination in 14-21 days.

Graze or cut red clover at 3-4 inch minimum height to maintain stand vigor. First cutting typically comes at early bloom stage, about 60 days after spring growth begins. Allow 30-40 day rest periods between harvests. Red clover fixes 75-200 lbs nitrogen per acre annually, reducing fertilizer needs. Mix with timothy or orchardgrass to reduce bloat risk in cattle. Expect productive stands for 2-3 years before renovation is needed.