About Ladino White Clover
Ladino white clover is the workhorse perennial of deer food plots, capable of persisting four to five years under proper management. It thrives in well-drained soils with a pH near 6.5, provides high-protein forage (18–25% crude protein) through spring, summer, and fall, and tolerates moderate grazing pressure well. Because it fixes its own nitrogen, no N fertilizer is needed; success hinges on correct pH and inoculation with the appropriate rhizobium bacteria at planting.
How much Ladino White Clover seed per acre?
The standard broadcast seeding rate for Ladino White Clover is 4–6 lbs per acre, dropping to about 3 lbs per acre when drilled. Use higher end for pure stand; reduce to 2–3 lb/ac when blending with chicory or cereal grains. Coated seed requires proportionally higher rate — check % PLS on the tag. The calculator above scales this to your exact plot size and converts it into the number of retail bags to buy.
When to plant Ladino White Clover
Ladino White Clover is a cool-season crop. In the northern US, plant in Aug–Sep (fall) or Mar–Apr (spring frost-seed); farther south, plant in Sep–Oct. Sow it 1/4" deep and plan on 30–45 to usable stand; full productivity second season.
Soil, pH & fertilizer
Aim for a soil pH near 6.5(don't go below ~6). No N if pure stand (nitrogen-fixing legume); inoculate seed. At establishment apply 300 lb/ac 5-10-15 or equivalent; maintain with 0-20-20 per soil test. Not sure where your soil sits? Read our soil test & lime guide.
Ladino White Clover blends well with chicory, red clover, alfalfa, cereal rye, oats if you want a more diverse, resilient plot.
Ladino White Clover FAQ
- How much Ladino White Clover seed do I need per acre?
- Broadcast Ladino White Clover at about 4–6 lbs per acre, or 3 lbs per acre if you drill it. Use higher end for pure stand; reduce to 2–3 lb/ac when blending with chicory or cereal grains. Coated seed requires proportionally higher rate — check % PLS on the tag.
- When should I plant Ladino White Clover?
- In the northern US plant in Aug–Sep (fall) or Mar–Apr (spring frost-seed); in the South plant in Sep–Oct. Expect 30–45 to usable stand; full productivity second season.
- What soil pH does Ladino White Clover need?
- Ladino White Clover does best at a soil pH around 6.5 (minimum ~6). No N if pure stand (nitrogen-fixing legume); inoculate seed. At establishment apply 300 lb/ac 5-10-15 or equivalent; maintain with 0-20-20 per soil test.
- Do deer like Ladino White Clover?
- Deer preference: high — consistent season-long magnet; protein 18–25%.