Crimson Clover

Fabaceae

THE nitrogen fixer. Winter cover crop that adds 50-125 lbs N/acre via rhizobia symbiosis. Sow 6-8 weeks before first fall frost after harvesting summer vegetables. Terminate at bud/early bloom in spring — wait 2-3 weeks before planting (pathogen flush). Spectacular crimson flowers attract ~50% more pollinators vs bare soil. MUST inoculate seed if never grown before. Biomass 2000-5000 lbs/acre.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

60–90 days

Sun

6+ hours

Container

Not Ideal

Height

1–1.5 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 7–14 days

Optimal Temp 50°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Watering

Needs Moderate

Soil

pH Range 5.5–7

Resilience

Heat: Medium Cold: Medium Drought: Medium

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Early bloom to mid-bloom

Sources

university NC State Extension — Crimson Clover Cover Crop research SARE management guide reference SARE — Managing Cover Crops Profitably: Crimson Clover government USDA ARS — Crimson Clover cover crop factsheet (nitrogen fixation)

More Cover crops

Crimson Clover Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Crimson Clover vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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