How to Plant Clover
How to plant white clover or micro clover as a lawn alternative or grass-clover mix. Seed rates, timing, and establishment tips.
White Dutch clover is the traditional choice at 4 to 8 inches tall. Micro clover (Trifolium repens var. Pipolina or Pirouette) stays under 4 inches with smaller leaves and blends better with turf. For a pure clover lawn, either works. For a grass-clover mix, micro clover is less visually disruptive.
Seed in early fall (September in the Central Plains) when soil is warm and fall rain supports germination. Spring seeding works too (April to May) but summer heat can stress young seedlings before they're established. Avoid seeding in summer.
Mow existing lawn short (2 inches) and rake to expose soil. Broadcast clover seed at 2 to 4 ounces per 1,000 square feet. For a pure clover lawn, use 4 to 8 ounces. Mix seed with dry sand for more even distribution. Do not bury deeper than a quarter inch.
Keep the seeded area lightly moist for the first 2 to 3 weeks until clover sprouts. Light, frequent watering (once or twice daily, just enough to moisten the surface) is better than heavy soaking. Once established, clover is drought tolerant and needs little supplemental irrigation.
Clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen through bacteria in its root nodules. Adding nitrogen fertilizer gives grass a competitive advantage and can suppress clover establishment. If you want clover to thrive, reduce or eliminate nitrogen applications in the clover area.
