About Crimson Clover
Crimson clover is a cool-season annual legume valued for rapid establishment, bright red blooms, and high palatability to deer. In the South it is fall-planted and often reseeds itself, while in the North it is typically spring-planted and treated as a warm-season annual. It tolerates slightly lower pH than other clovers (down to 5.8), making it a useful option where lime applications are still raising pH toward the ideal range. Inoculation is essential and seed should not be buried deeper than one-quarter inch.
How much Crimson Clover seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Crimson Clover is 20–25 lbs per acre, dropping to about 13 lbs per acre when drilled. 20 lb/ac broadcast for pure stand. When mixed with cereal grains (oats/rye/wheat), use 10–15 lb/ac clover + 30–40 lb/ac grain. Coated seed: multiply by ~1.25. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Crimson Clover
Crimson Clover is a cool-season crop. In the northern US, plant in Apr–May (spring-sown in the North; fall sowings winterkill); farther south, plant in Sep–Oct. Sow it 1/4" deep and plan on 45–60.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.2(don't go below ~5.8). No N; inoculate seed. Apply light P and K per soil test. Avoid heavy N which suppresses nitrogen fixation. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Crimson Clover blends well with cereal rye, oats, winter wheat, Austrian winter peas, forage radish if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Crimson Clover FAQ
- How much Crimson Clover seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Crimson Clover at about 20–25 lbs per acre, or 13 lbs per acre if you drill it. 20 lb/ac broadcast for pure stand. When mixed with cereal grains (oats/rye/wheat), use 10–15 lb/ac clover + 30–40 lb/ac grain. Coated seed: multiply by ~1.25.
- When should I plant Crimson Clover?
- In the northern US plant in Apr–May (spring-sown in the North; fall sowings winterkill); in the South plant in Sep–Oct. Expect 45–60.
- What soil pH does Crimson Clover need?
- Crimson Clover does best at a soil pH around 6.2 (minimum ~5.8). No N; inoculate seed. Apply light P and K per soil test. Avoid heavy N which suppresses nitrogen fixation.
- Do deer like Crimson Clover?
- Deer preference: high — highly palatable; protein 18–22%; often reseeds.