Ladino White Clover vs Alfalfa
Two high-protein perennial legumes — but one is forgiving and one is demanding.
| Ladino White Clover | Alfalfa | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | perennial | perennial |
| Season | cool-season | cool-season |
| Seeding rate (broadcast) | 4–6 lbs/ac | 15–20 lbs/ac |
| Drilled rate | 3 lbs/ac | 14 lbs/ac |
| Ideal soil pH | 6.5 | 7 |
| Plant depth | 1/4" | 1/4" |
| Days to maturity | 30–45 days | 45–60 days |
| Deer preference | High | High |
When to choose each
Plant Ladino White Clover if…
Choose clover for almost any plot. It tolerates wetter, slightly more acidic ground, shrugs off neglect and heavy grazing, and still produces for years with minimal management — the safest perennial legume for most hunters and most soils.
Plant Alfalfa if…
Choose alfalfa only if you have near-neutral pH (6.5+), excellent drainage, and the willingness to mow, spray for weeds and pests, and fertilize. In return it delivers the highest protein and tonnage of any food-plot legume and a stand that can last five to seven years.
The practical play
They're rarely planted together. The smart path is to start with a forgiving clover plot to learn your ground, then graduate to alfalfa on your best-drained, well-limed field once you've proven you can keep up with the management it demands.
The bottom line
Which should you plant?
For most food plots, plant clover. It tolerates wetter, slightly more acidic ground, shrugs off neglect, and still pulls deer for years. Choose alfalfa only if you have near-neutral pH (6.5+), excellent drainage, and the willingness to manage it — in exchange you get the highest protein and yield of any food-plot legume and a stand that can last 5–7 years.
Calculator
Ladino White Cloverseed & lime →
4–6 lbs/ac · plant 1/4" deep
Calculator
Alfalfaseed & lime →
15–20 lbs/ac · plant 1/4" deep
Where to buy seed
Compare prices and bag sizes for Ladino White Clover and Alfalfa online.
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