When to plant crimson clover. Crimson clover is considered one of the most lovely cover crops you must try to grow.
When to plant crimson clover
If you don’t know when to plant it, follow this guide to find more about crimson clover.
- Common name-Crimson clover
- Other names- incarnate clover
- Reason- they are called incarnate clovers because of their bloody red blooms.
- Biological name-Trifolium incarnatum
- Family-legume family
- Planting season– plant clover before the first frost date
- Function- They act as nitrogen fixers in the soil.
- Crop Rotation Group-Legumes including the family of Peas and Beans
- Soil– maintain a well-drained soil
- Position– require maximum sunlight
- Zone classification– Zone 6
- Temperature-The clovers established plantings in early fall can tolerate up to -18 degrees centigrade.
Features
- Quickly matures and established
- The plant prefers cool weather.
- Crimson clover plants don’t favor dry, sandy, and poor grade soils for their growth.
- They can grow in well-draining soil.
- Clovers can’t abide the heavy clay or waterlogged areas.
- The crimson clover promotes pollination and is a source of honeybee’s nectar.
Time to plant the crimson clover
For Winter Annual Use
- If you opt to plant the crimson clover for winters, sow it before the first average frost date.
- Time required- six to eight weeks before the frost date
- If you opt for a drill machine, place the seeds 15-18 pounds per acre.
- If you go for the broadcasting;
- Place the seeds 22- 30 pounds per acre.
For Summer Annual Use
- When the winters are over, sow the plant as soon as possible.
- If you opt for a drill machine, place the seeds 15-18 pounds per acre.
- If you opt for broadcasting;
- Place the crimson seed about 22- 30 pounds per acre.
Planting Dates
- In North Alabama and Georgia: plant the crimson clover between September 15 – November 1.
- In Northern South Carolina: plant the crimson clover between September 1 – October 15.
- In Southern Alabama and Georgia: plant the crimson clover between October 1 – November 15.
- In Southern South Carolina: plant the crimson clover between September 15 – November 15.
- In North Carolina Mountains: plant the crimson clover between mid-august – mid-September.
- In North Carolina Piedmont: plant the crimson clover between September 1 – September 30.
- In North Carolina Coastal Plain: plant the crimson clover between September 1 – October 15.
Fertilization
- To increase the soil PH to 6.0, add the lime solution into the fertile soil.
- After that, apply accurate fertilizer following the soil test results value.
Planting Depth
- Plant the crimson clover approximately- 1/4 inch deep.
Spacing Requirements
- For Single Plants: 3″ (10cm) each way
- For Rows: 3″ of 10 cm with 3″ (10cm) of row gap
Feeding
- Before planting crimson clover, add a balanced organic fertilizer to the soil.
- Crimson clover needs rich fertile soil for its efficient growth.
- You can also opt for inoculated seed to grow a vigorous stand of crimson clover.
Companions
The crimson clover is friendly with a variety of hardy annual plants;
- bachelor buttons
- Corn poppies.
Planting the Crimson Clover
- Maintain rich soil for the plant.
- Add fertilizers-rich feedings.
- Take the seeds and Sow them in late summers.
- Sow before the first frost date.
- In cold areas, the crimson clover is grown in the early spring.
- After that, broadcast the seed into the cultivated soil.
- The seeds must be 2 inches (5 cm) apart and one-half inch (1 cm) deep from each other.
- In this process, you don’t need to opt for thinning.
Conclusion
If you opt for winter clovers, sow it before the first average frost date (six to eight weeks before). If for summer annual use plant as soon as possible after the winter frost.
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