Trifolium incarnatum Annual cool-season legume cover crop. Crimson Clover is the showiest of all clovers with its vibrant crimson flower spikes. Widely planted for landscaping, erosion control, and as a cover crop, it offers beauty, cold and partial shade tolerance, and reliable reseeding ability. Establishing quickly in just 5–10 days, it reaches 18" tall and is valued as both a soil builder and a pollinator-friendly ground cover. Application Rate: 0.25-0.5" depth at 0.5-2 lb per 1,000 square feet or 20-40 lb per acre Inoculant: No additional inoculant is needed. The legume seed is already coated with the appropriate Rhizobium bacteria to support nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Germination: 5–10 Days Plant Height: 18" Uses: Cover crop, erosion control, green manure, pastures, ground cover Facts to Note: Plant in fall. Tolerates a minimum temperature of 10°F. Nitrogen contribution varies with nodulation, stand growth, soil conditions, and termination timing. Crimson clover is excellent in pastures but can be overgrazed due to high palatability. Typically used as a cover crop in grain rotations rather than row crops, as it matures later. See our guide for more information on distinctions between Red and Crimson Clovers. Benefits of Crimson Clover: Nitrogen Fixation: Enhances soil fertility naturally through root nodules that host nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Weed Suppression: Dense growth habit shades out competing weeds. Soil Erosion Control: Strong root systems stabilize soil and prevent runoff. Soil Structure Improvement: Adds organic matter and improves aeration when incorporated. Pollinator Habitat: Striking blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Planting & Care: Timing: Best sown in late summer to early fall or early spring, depending on climate. Soil Preparation: Plant in well-prepared soils, ideally tested and amended for balanced pH and nutrients. Termination: Mow or till in early spring before seed set to maximize soil enrichment. Note for certified organic growers: Nitrocoated seed is conventionally grown, non-GMO seed with no fungicide or insecticide seed treatment applied before coating. The coating contains certified organic powdered limestone, an organically approved binder, and an OMRI-approved peat-based inoculant, applied through an OMRI-approved process on a dedicated Nitrocoated-seed treatment line. Crimson Clover’s striking appearance and soil-building qualities make it an exceptional choice for sustainable gardening and farming systems. Incorporate it into your garden or crop rotation to enrich soil, protect against erosion, and support pollinators.
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