Gadenin日本語Get the appThe year at a glance
In mild-winter areas crimson clover is grown from autumn to early summer. In cold-winter areas, where autumn-sown plants may not survive, it is sown in spring instead, accepting that flowering may be lighter. The table below follows the mild-winter pattern; shift it to spring sowing if your winters are severe.
| Season | What is happening | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Early autumn | Sowing time in mild areas | Sow direct in a sunny, well-drained bed; keep moist until up |
| Late autumn | Seedlings establishing | Thin to 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm); weed; protect young seedlings from hard frost |
| Winter | Low clumps, little growth | Water rarely; keep drainage clear; light frost cover for small plants |
| Early spring | Growth resumes; sowing time in cold areas | Weed; water when dry; sow in cold-winter gardens |
| Late spring | Flowering | Cut spent spikes to prolong the display; cut stems for posies |
| Early summer | Plants finish in the heat; seed ripens | Collect seed promptly; pull or cut down spent plants |
Autumn: get the plants established
The most important job of the year is sowing early enough in autumn for the plants to make a few true leaves before winter. Sow once the summer heat has eased, keep the bed moist until the seedlings are up, and thin them before they crowd each other.
Spring: flowering and upkeep
As the days lengthen the clumps grow quickly and the flower stems rise. Keep weeds down and water during dry spells, but let the soil dry between waterings. Once flowering starts, cutting off faded spikes keeps new ones coming.
- Check the plants for aphids New growth in spring attracts aphids. Rub or hose them off early before colonies build up.
- Water only when dry Let the surface dry between waterings; constantly wet soil invites crown rot.
- Deadhead through the season Cut faded spikes back to a leaf or side shoot to extend flowering.
Early summer: seed and clearing up
When the heat arrives the plants yellow and finish. If you want seed, collect the ripe heads promptly, because seed can sprout on the heads if they stay wet. Then pull or cut down the spent plants.
If you are using crimson clover as green manure, cut it down and dig or fork it into the soil around flowering time, before it sets seed.
Using crimson clover as a cover crop
Farmers and gardeners widely sow crimson clover on empty beds over winter as a cover crop. It protects bare soil, smothers weeds, and adds nitrogen and organic matter when it is turned in as green manure in spring. In a vegetable garden it fits neatly between a summer crop cleared in early autumn and the next crop planted in late spring, and it brings bees into the garden while it flowers.