Hale Habitat & Seed
Crimson Clover (pre-inoculated)
Crimson Clover (pre-inoculated)
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Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) is a cool-season annual legume widely used as a cover crop, forage, and wildlife food plot. Known for its vibrant red blooms and ability to fix nitrogen, it provides multiple benefits for wildlife, soil health, and as a rotational crop. The seeds of crimson clover are highly attractive to deer, turkey, and small game, making it a popular choice for wildlife food plots. Inoculated with a NOP compliant seed treatment for maximum germination.
Benefits for Wildlife Habitat
✔ High-protein seeds that attract deer, turkeys, and small mammals.
✔ Attractive flowering plants provide early-season forage and pollinator habitat.
✔ Fixes nitrogen, improving soil fertility for subsequent crops.
✔ Ideal for late winter and early spring food plots when other food sources are scarce.
✔ Excellent for soil erosion control and enhancing soil health due to its nitrogen-fixing ability.
Planting Guidelines
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Planting Times:
- Fall (August–September): Best planting time for winter cover crops and early spring forage.
- Spring (March–April): Can also be planted for spring forage and quick-growing wildlife plots in milder climates.
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Seeding Depth:
- ¼ to ½ inch deep for optimal germination and seedling development.
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Seeding Rates:
- Drilled: 15–20 lbs per acre for uniform stands.
- Broadcast: 20–25 lbs per acre, followed by light dragging or cultipacking to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
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Days to Maturity:
- 70–90 days for full growth, typically reaching bloom in about 60–75 days and becoming mature by late spring or early summer.
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Drought Tolerance:
- Moderate – Crimson clover can tolerate drought conditions, but it requires consistent moisture for the best growth, especially during establishment.
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Saturated Soil Tolerance:
- Low to Moderate – Prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate short periods of wet conditions. However, prolonged saturation may hinder growth.
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Shade Tolerance:
- Low – Performs best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade, particularly in cooler climates.
Fertilization Guidelines for Crimson Clover
- Soil pH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0–7.0.
- Nitrogen (N): As a legume, crimson clover is capable of fixing its own nitrogen, so it typically requires little to no added nitrogen. Excess nitrogen can reduce flowering and seed production.
- Phosphorus (P): Apply 20–40 lbs P₂O₅ per acre based on soil test recommendations to encourage strong root development and early growth.
- Potassium (K): Apply 30–60 lbs K₂O per acre if potassium levels are low to ensure healthy growth and seed production.
Fertilization Timing:
- Apply phosphorus and potassium before planting based on soil tests.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen applications, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Herbicide Use for Crimson Clover
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Weed Management:
- Weed control is crucial during establishment, as crimson clover can be outcompeted by aggressive weeds in its early growth stages.
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Herbicide Options:
- Pre-emergence: Herbicides like Prowl H2O (Pendimethalin) or Treflan (Trifluralin) can help control grasses and broadleaf weeds before planting.
- Post-emergence: 2,4-D can be applied selectively to control broadleaf weeds without damaging crimson clover.
Key Considerations:
- Follow all herbicide labels for proper timing and application to avoid damage to the clover.
- Mowing or manual weed control can reduce the need for herbicides, especially in established plots.
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I received them pretty quickly planted them right away and I’d say 1/10 of the bag sprouted
Nice cover, but I bet 50 percent of the seeds have not germinated. Hopefully they are just slow learners...