How to Reseed Crimson Clover Seed
Crimson clover is used as a cover crop, green manure, pollinator enhancement and forage crop for livestock. It is a short lived perennial, and can survive for two to four years, depending upon the climate.
Crimson clover seed needs moist soil conditions to germinate, so avoid planting your initial stand when conditions are dry. Introduce livestock gradually to fields planted with crimson clover, as it can cause bloat. Crimson clover is difficult to dry for hay because it is leafy, restricting air circulation through windrows, so plant it with companion grasses to simplify hay production.
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Things You'll Need
- Two to three varieties of crimson clover seed
- Lime (if needed)
- Manure
- Rock potash
- Ground rock phosphate
Instructions
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Reseeding
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1
Analyze soil in pastures or fields where crimson clover is growing to check soil fertility. Maintain soil pH at 5.8 to 7.8 with a target range of 6 to 6.5 as recommended by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Apply lime several months before planting in soils with a pH lower than 5.8. Add manure, rock potash and ground rock phosphate to help maintain soil fertility for reseeding.
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2
Defer grazing after initial seeding until plants are 6 to 8 inches tall to allow flowers to develop and avoid trampling. Once plants are established, follow the grazing guidelines below to allow crimson clover to reseed.
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3
Allow livestock to graze crimson clover for five to seven days early in the growing season and remove animals from the pasture for five to six weeks to allow clover flowers to mature. After crimson clover seeds have set, pastures can be grazed or cut, both of which will drop seeds to the ground. Later in the season, extend grazing times to two weeks, but do not allow animals to graze crimson clover shorter than 3 to 4 inches.
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4
Plant two to three varieties of crimson clover seed in each pasture and allow them to reseed to reduce the risk of disease and pest problems associated with planting single varieties.
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5
Control weeds in pastures or fields where clover is grown, as young crimson clover plants are not competitive against weeds, according to the UK's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
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6
Reseed crimson clover stands every two to four years with additional sowings of seed in late September or October, or February and March. Crimson clover can be reseeded by broadcasting over existing sod, but disking the soil or using a seed drill provides better soil to seed contact and higher germination rates.
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7
Sow 2 to 3 pounds of crimson clover seed per acre to reseed and thicken existing clover stands.
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Tips & Warnings
Grow short duration ryegrasses with crimson clover as a companion grass to avoid problems with competition for sunlight.
