Crimson Clover vs Red Clover
Two clovers that look similar on the bag but behave very differently in the dirt.
| Crimson Clover | Red Clover | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | annual | short-lived perennial |
| Season | cool-season | cool-season |
| Seeding rate (broadcast) | 20–25 lbs/ac | 12–15 lbs/ac |
| Drilled rate | 13 lbs/ac | 9 lbs/ac |
| Ideal soil pH | 6.2 | 6.5 |
| Plant depth | 1/4" | 1/4" |
| Days to maturity | 45–60 days | 30–45 days |
| Deer preference | High | High |
When to choose each
Plant Crimson Clover if…
Choose crimson clover for a fast annual that reseeds itself. It's a superb cool-season cover crop and early green, fixes nitrogen quickly, and if you let it flower and set seed it returns on its own the next year with no replanting.
Plant Red Clover if…
Choose red clover for more tonnage over a longer run. As a short-lived perennial it produces heavily for two to three years, tolerates heat and a wider range of soils better than most clovers, and makes an excellent frost-seeded addition to a thinning plot.
The practical play
They're often blended — crimson for fast first-year cover and reseeding, red for sustained mid-term production. For a truly permanent stand, though, pair or replace them with ladino white clover, which outlasts both.
The bottom line
Which should you plant?
Plant crimson clover for a fast annual that reseeds itself — it's a great cover crop and early-season green that comes back on its own if you let it go to seed. Plant red clover for a 2–3 year stand with more total tonnage and better heat tolerance. For a permanent plot, neither beats ladino white clover for longevity.
Calculator
Crimson Cloverseed & lime →
20–25 lbs/ac · plant 1/4" deep
Calculator
Red Cloverseed & lime →
12–15 lbs/ac · plant 1/4" deep
Where to buy seed
Compare prices and bag sizes for Crimson Clover and Red Clover online.
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