How late can you plant white clover?

[Victor Van Meter]

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

 

[Catscratch]

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.

 

[Newbie]

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.

 

[Howboutthemdawgs]

I planted some this weekend. Rain to me was more important than the date

 

[Kdog]

I am in GA, but have planted as late as early December with no issues.

 

[TreeDaddy]

I planted some this weekend. Rain to me was more important than the date

agree

no moisture=no germination

bill

 

[Turkey Creek]

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.

 

[SD51555]

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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[Victor Van Meter]

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.

 

[bigboreblr]

The colder the zone, the more earlier before frost date you need. Zone 3 Adirondacks would be a waste much past labor day. Ne Ohio, should be OK.

Roots need to be deep enough to survive winter.

Sometimes frost seeding doesn't work. Seeds wake up and get a late winter cold snap. Some clovers do not frost seed well. Find out the particular variety at the co-op.

Worth the gamble, especially ially if your not willing or herbicide burning in the spring.

 

[Victor Van Meter]

Well, the rain has disappeared from the forecast, so I guess I will wait until next year.

 

[Kdog]

The seed would still be there and would be viable when it does get moisture. I still say you would be fine with all the global war...I mean climate change.

 

[bigboreblr]

I also tned ot think clay soil needs more time than snady soil. Eaier for those roots to dive down.

Spreading about 25lbs of crimson clover ar camp this spring. With that type I have to wait until late april or early may. That one doesn't over winter up there.

 

[Victor Van Meter]

The seed would still be there and would be viable when it does get moisture. I still say you would be fine with all the global war...I mean climate change.

Unfortunately the turkeys and birds would have it all eaten by the time it rains.

 

[bigbendmarine]

Unfortunately the turkeys and birds would have it all eaten by the time it rains.

Have the ability to run a sprinkler to the spot?

Didn't chime in on the timing question as I'm in North Florida so usually plant plots in October... but timing aside, more than once I've run sprinklers to an area I was eager to plant with absolutely zero rain in the forecast. Helps that I live in the middle of my property and only have to run sprinklers about 500 to 600 feet from the house and with the run slightly downhill to help maintain water pressure.

 

[Kdog]

Unfortunately the turkeys and birds would have it all eaten by the time it rains.

Wish I had that problem again!

Are you drilling or broadcasting?

 

[birdog]

If you're drilling do it now. Throw in some cereal rye while you're at it.

I would still take a chance with broadcasting within the next week, especially if it's a smaller plot.

 

[bigboreblr]

Unfortunately the turkeys and birds would have it all eaten by the time it rains.

I got a pretty persistent turkey and ruffed grouse cleaning crew at camp on my snowmible trail plot. They still miss alot of seed. That is larger seeds like rye, peas, or hairy vetch.

Clover is even tougher. Though sometimes I wish the seed wasnt brightly coated. Even that light grey can stick out. A pass or two with a tire drag or cultipacker, 90% of that clover will be out of sight. The birds might get a 20-30% of the rye. Even bare ground packed in rye about 1/2 makes it.

Could lightly disc, then spread rye, cultipack or drag, then spread clover and pack or drag again. No drag or cultipacker, tractor or atv tires.

Got a chance to see my monthly mowed fallow field section after it rained lat week. Clethodim worked well in there, only see broadleavs in the plot. probably doing 1/2 ladino 1/2 dutch white in there for frost seeding. Debating lightly discing the area up in the fall, like one pass with ATV discs in November before the ground freezes.

 

[Victor Van Meter]

Wish I had that problem again!

Are you drilling or broadcasting?

Just broadcasting.

No water source for a sprinkler.