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How late can you plant white clover?

Victor Van Meter

5 year old buck +
We are finally getting some rain here in SE Ohio. Is it too late to throw some white clover out in hopes it germinates enough to come back in the spring? I realize it won't do much this year, but I am hoping to get it established come spring of 2026.

VV
 
I've planted it pretty late (much later than this). We do have a lot of warm days in the winter though. Hit's 40-50's fairly often until Dec so it's got time to put down some roots before it get bitter cold. Kansas, so somewhat south of ya.
 
I am someone who notoriously does not follow instructions well so I will chime in and share my experience. I'm in PA so similar climate.

I've planted plots early, late, and have taken shortcuts over the years here and there. My initial guess is that you have time to establish some clover and that it would likely be okay for next year but maybe not great. In my experience I always end up with mediocre results when my timing is off. You may get a winter kill because of a cold snap & shallow roots, you may end up with patchy clover and a bunch of weeds, etc. etc. I took the time on a bigger plot extension to plan appropriately, ensure I got a good kill with herbicide, and the results have been fantastic.

My suggestion is to wait until next year and just do it right. I've tons of time and money trying to fix plots that I planted in haste when if I just took my time and listened to time proven strategies I would have better results in less time & for less money.

That being said, if you have the time and money and want to give it a shot, go for it. But if things look shoddy next year, I'd just nuke it all and restart from scratch with appropriate timing & methods.
 
I planted some this weekend. Rain to me was more important than the date
 
If you are going to wipe the slate clean and then plant go for it. You will have enough bare dirt showing in the late Winter you can frost seed it to boost the population if you get a less than desireable stand this Fall into Winter.
 
How much $$ in seed you talking about? I’d fling it out there. White clover is a weed, and if it doesn’t work, worst case you’re out $20-$100 and you try again next year.


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Thanks for the thoughts guys. It will be a small area, so not much money invested. I will get some from the co op and spread it this weekend.
 
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