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    Crimson clover

    Species: Crimson clover
    Scientific Name: Trifolium incarnatum
    Cultivars:Dixie, Tibbee, Chief, Flame (UF selected from old Dixie), AU-Robin.
  • For the cool-season forage variety recommendations report, cl ick this link.
    • Growth Habit:2-3 feet tall; erect; pubescent leaves and stems; absence of watermark.
    Life Cycle:Annual. Low hard seed production (reseeding potential poor).
    Origin:Europe
    Production Season:December, February to April
    Nutritive Value:Varies depending on maturity (leaf:stem ratio) Usually medium to high crude protein; medium to high digestibility.
    Use:Grazing, hay, green manure
    Herbarium Image:For an herbarium image click this link.

    Adaptation

    Soil:Sandy, sandy-loam, well drained soils
    pH:5.5-7.0
    Rainfall:30-70 inches
    Temperature:

    Management

    Planting Date:October 1 - November 15
    Planting Depth:1/4 to 1/2 inch
    Seeding Rate:
  • 20 to 25 lb/acre
  • Inoculate seed with rhizobium bacteria type 'R', Clover group
    		•
    Seed Cost:
  • $1.9/lb, $28.5 to 38/acre
    		•
    Fertilization:For fertilization info see following click this link.
    Production:4000-5000 lb/acre

    Notes

  • Most commonly overseeded into perennial pastures due to its early maturity.
  • Early forage production (advantage if overseeding a hay field).
  • Fixes about 100 lb Nitrogen/acre available to following crop.
  • Excellent reseeding vigor.
  • Iron chlorosis is a problem on clay loam soils with pH higher than 7.3 (some coastal soils in Florida).
  • Graze at height of 8-10 in and stop grazing when at 3-5 in; rest period: 10-20 days; if wanting to reseed, need to remove animals early (March).
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