OTHER-CRIMSON CLOVER (4G)
OTHER-CRIMSON CLOVER (4G)
A$3.50
Availability: 128 in stock
Seeds Per Pack: 820
Trifolium incarnatum
OTHER-CRIMSON CLOVER is a vibrant flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae, offering numerous benefits for both agricultural and ornamental purposes. Its deep tap roots improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and breaking up compacted soil, making it ideal for remediating impacted land. In crop rotation systems, crimson clover effectively suppresses weeds and provides natural nutrients to the soil. Additionally, it serves as high-quality forage for livestock and attracts pollinators like bees, supporting biodiversity. Prized for its stunning crimson flowers, crimson clover also enhances the beauty of gardens and landscapes, making it a versatile and valuable choice for farmers and gardeners alike.
Crimson clover offers several advantages and considerations for gardeners and farmers. Its allelopathic compounds can inhibit the growth of certain weeds, though they may also affect desirable companion plants, necessitating careful monitoring and adjustments. As a legume, crimson clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen with the help of symbiotic bacteria, enhancing soil fertility, although this process can be influenced by environmental conditions. The plant’s tendency to self-seed can be beneficial for naturalising areas but requires management to prevent unwanted growth. Its vibrant flowers attract pollinators, supporting biodiversity and potentially increasing bee activity. While moderately drought-tolerant once established, crimson clover requires adequate soil moisture during early growth stages, with supplemental irrigation during dry spells to maintain health and vigour.
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How to grow Crimson Clover
- Select a suitable site with well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight exposure.
- Prepare the soil to a depth of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) to loosen it and remove any weeds or debris.
- Sow crimson clover seeds at a rate of 20-25 kg per hectare (18-22 lbs per acre) at a depth of 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) into the soil.
- Fertilizate prior to planting. Incorporate a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at a rate of 200-250 kg per hectare (180-220 lbs per acre) to provide necessary nutrients.
- Water consistently during the germination period, typically 7-10 days and deep water approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week, especially during dry spells.
- Thin seedlings to a spacing of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) apart once they reach a height of 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) to promote healthy growth.
- Monitor the area regularly and remove any weeds that compete with crimson clover for nutrients and space.
- Esure the soil temperature remains between 10-25°C (50-77°F) for optimal germination and growth.
- Apply a thin layer of mulch, such as straw or compost, around the seedlings to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Monitor plant health and address any issues promptly, such as pest infestations or diseases. Consider applying a nitrogen-fixing inoculant to enhance nitrogen fixation in the soil.
- Harvest Crimson clover when it reaches a height of 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) or left to flower for ornamental purposes.
Heritage of Crimson Clover
Crimson clover is native to southern Europe, originally cultivated as a forage crop to improve soil fertility and feed livestock. Its vibrant crimson blooms have also made it a cherished ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes worldwide. Its role as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop has been integral to sustainable farming practices, promoting soil health and reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers. Over time, its versatility and adaptability have earned it a place in crop rotation systems, contributing to the sustainability and resilience of agricultural ecosystems. Crimson clover’s legacy continues to evolve as farmers, gardeners, and conservationists recognize its valuable ecological and agronomic benefits.
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Category Colour Guide
Planting Guide for Australia
Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
Plant Height
30-50 cm (12-20 inches)
Season of Interest
Spring / Early Summer
Temperature Range
10-25°C (50-77°F)
Determine / Indeterminate
Annual / Perennial / Biennial
Annual
Frost Hardy / Tender
Tender
Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade
Full Sun / Partial Shade
Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings
Sow Direct
Soil
Well-drained loamy soil
pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Temperature
10-25°C (50-77°F)
Seed Preparation
No special preparation required
Sowing Depth
1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches)
Plant Spacing
10-15 cm (4-6 inches) apart
Row spacing
Variable depending on planting method and equipment
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week
Germination Time (Days)
7-10 days
Harvest Time (Days)
Harvest for forage when plants reach 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) or leave to flower for ornamental purposes.
Good Companion Plants
Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), White Dutch Clover (Trifolium repens), Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa), Winter Rye (Secale cereale), Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), Alfalfa. (Medicago sativa)
Bad Companion Plants
Brassicas such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, Other legumes competing for nitrogen fixation, High-growing crops that may overshadow or compete with crimson clover
Pests
Aphids, Clover root curculio, Clover leaf weevil, Grasshoppers, Cutworms
Diseases
Anthracnose, Fusarium wilt, Powdery mildew, Root rot, Sclerotinia , stem rot
More About Us
When I started this journey in 2009, I found nothing existed commercially, that was reasonably priced and easy to use. There was a homemade system which I also found was not that user-friendly.
Then a friend of mine told me about a homemade method she used. However, when I tried her method, I found this also didn’t suit my needs, as it too had flaws that I considered where important. It did not keep vermin out, did not have a lockable lid and (to me) looked unsightly in the garden
