Dutch White Clover
Dutch White Clover, Trifolium repens, is a low-growing variety of clover that can be used as turf or to fill bare spots in your existing lawn. It grows by sending out “runners” or stolons that take root and then form new runners. This clover generally grows 4-8” tall. It’s best seeded in early spring when the chance of frost has passed, usually mid-March - mid-April. Spring planting gives clover time to establish itself before the cold weather.
White Clover is a great addition to turf. It grows vigorously in poor clay soil. Not only do the flowers provide pollen and nectar for pollinators, but the plants have the ability to produce their own nitrogen, reducing the need to apply fertilizers. It also stays greener than most grasses during droughts, reducing the need to supply irrigation. If you want to make sure it doesn’t overtake your lawn, simply raise your mower deck to a height of 3” or more.
Overseeding clover into your turf lawn:
• Mow your grass 1-1.5” tall.
• Dethatch the entire area with a power rake or hand rake to expose the soil.
• If a broadleaf weed control application was used on your lawn, wait around 6 weeks before seeding clover. If a pre-emergent weed control was used you may have to wait until fall for a more successful establishment.
• Mix your clover seed with fine sand or soil and broadcast over the desired area. • Sow ¼-½ lbs. of seed per 1000 sq. ft. of lawn. In shadier areas sow twice that amount. Seed no deeper than ¼”.
• Water well and keep moist until you see seedlings pop up in a couple of weeks.
• Microbial inoculants may be beneficial for greater success when seeding clover.
Caring for your clover lawn once established:
• Watering once or twice a week is sufficient in dry summer conditions.
• Don’t add any fertilizers containing nitrogen. Clover makes its own nitrogen and added nitrogen will hinder its growth. Your lawn may still need potassium, phosphorus, and micronutrients.
• Let your lawn grow; mow after the clover has flowered.
• Check your soil pH every few years and adjust it if the value is significantly out of range. The best pH range for clover is 6.0-7.0.
• Hand pull weeds as many herbicides used in grass will kill your clover. Spot treatment with Hi- Yield Killzall may be necessary to control persistent weed species.
