UWRF University of Wisconsin-River Falls Upper Midwest Forages

Red clover

Scientific name:Trifolium pratense L
Cultivars:Many. Look for resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew
Origin:Africa, Asia, Europe
Growth Habit:Upright, semi-upright
Life Cycle:Biennial, Perennial
 
Use
 
Production:
  • Hay, pasture, silage, cover crop
  • 40 to 60 days to harvest
  • For results from UW Extension variety trials click this link
    WI variety trial results
  • Nutritive Value:High protein and digestibility
     
    Identification
     
    Seed Head:Globose (capitate), pink-purple flowers
    Seed:
  • Mitten shape, <1/2", tan-brown
  • High seedling vigor
  • 5 to 7 days to germination
  • Inoculate with adequate N-fixing bacteria type (if seed is not coated or pre-inoculated).
  • Shoot:18-30", hollow, pubescent
    Leaf:Trifoliate, pubescent, white chevron watermark
     
    Adaptation
     
    Soil:Loamy, well-drained
    pH:6 to 7. Adapted to slightly acid soil (5.5)
    Moisture:Well-drained soils
    Temperature:Cool-season
    Other:
     
    Establishment - Management
     
    Seeding rate:12-15lbs/acre broadcast, 6-8lbs/acre drilled
    Seed cost:$3.5/lb; $40 to 55/acre
    Planting date:Spring or late summer
    Planting depth:1/4-1/2"
    Frost seeding:Works 50 to 70% of the time
    Fertilization:Apply P and K by soil test.
    Grazing:
  • Graze at 1/4 to 1/2 bloom at first grazing, then 1/4 bloom.
  • Graze to 2" stubble.
  • Hay:First cutting at 1/4 to 1/2 bloom, then 1/4 bloom for the rest. Leave 2" stubble after harvest.
     
    Notes
  • Can cause bloat
  • Weed suppressor
  • Rapid regrowth
  •  
    Photos


    Red clover pubescence