Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) is a herbaceous flowering plant that is native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. Red Clover is drought and frost tolerant, easy to grow and has a wide variety of uses. The flowers and leaves are edible, the whole plant is used as green manure, it is used in traditional medicine, as livestock fodder and is an exceptional companion plant.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Trifolium pratense is also sometimes called Crimson Clover due to the colour of their flowers. Red Clover thrives in a wide range of climates, soil conditions and moisture levels and is known to improve the soil it grows in.
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Growth
Trifolium pratense is a perennial herb that grows to a height of up to 60cm (24 inches) and a width of around 10cm (4 inches). Red Clover is easy to grow from seed when allowed to soak for 12 hours prior to sowing. Can be grown as livestock fodder, companion plant among garden beds, in containers on balconies or as a groundcover as a lawn substitute.
Leaves of Red Clover are alternate, with three leaflets and have a pale crescent in the outer half of the leaf. The flowers are dark pink with a whitish base and are regularly visited by pollinators. Long taproots are a feature as it enables the plant to thrive in drought-like conditions.
Red Clover can begin to flower in between 50-70 days from sowing.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 60cm (34 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 10cm (4 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
50-70 days.
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 15-22°C / 65-70°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1400
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE (Red Clover)
Trifolium pratense is commonly grown as a fodder crop as both a nutritious grass for livestock and and for improving the soil fertility. In smaller environments, Red Clover can be used as a green manure to increase the soils nitrogen levels.
Red Clover leaves and flowers are both edible and are used as a garnish or can be ground into a flour. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators and are ideal companion plants for fruit trees and most vegetables for improving both pollination rates and soil quality. Some farmers suggest that growing Red Clover with Apple orchards improves both the taste and storage life of the apple.
An essential oil is made and is used in aromatherapy due to its unique scent.
In traditional medicine, Red Clover is used to treat skin complaints, blood cleansing, ovaries and dry coughs. It is also said to be a treatment for breast cancer but not enough research has been done to reach any concrete conclusions.
To learn more about the medicinal benefits of Red Clover please click here.
