CRIMSON CLOVER. 



97 



Habits of growth: Being a resident of southern Europe, it is 

 evident that Crimson Clover likes a warm climate. When found 

 wild, it is a so-called winter annual; that is, the seeds germinate in 

 the fall or during the summer and the young plants reach full develop- 

 ment relatively early the following season. In Canada only the 

 southern parts of British Columbia are mild enough to insure the 

 plants living through the winter. Even in southwestern Ontario 

 the returns from late-sown seed are uncertain. It is therefore the 

 general practice to sow. Crimson Clover early in spring and harvest 

 the crop the same season. Although it requires a warm climate and 

 is able to make a surprisingly good growth in sandy soil, Crimson 

 Clover cannot endure severe drought. It does well in light soil that 

 can be irrigated during the growing season. 



Agricultural value : Crimson Clover has a high nutritive value 

 and can be used for either hay or pasture. It is valuable for soiling 

 purposes in short rotations and in orchards, as the green matter 

 produced is heavy and the roots penetrate deep into the ground. 



Fodder: Crimson Clover hay is readily eaten by all kinds of 

 farm animals and is claimed to be especially suitable for those doing 

 heavy work. Like other clovers, it has its highest nutritive value 

 when in flower and should not be cut for hay later than in full bloom. 

 The blossoms are provided with a great number of rather long hairs, 

 soft and harmless before the plant has reached the flowering stage. 

 When it blossoms these hairs become stiff and may cause serious 

 indigestion. Experience has therefore shown that it is advisable to 

 cut Crimson Clover a little earlier than in full bloom. Harvesting 

 may be done in the same way as for Red Clover. 



Pasture: Where the winters are mild enough to allow Crimson 

 Clover to be sown late in the summer, it can be pastured the same 

 fall and then early next spring. Where the climate, as in south- 

 western Ontario, makes spring sowing necessary, pasturing must be 

 limited to one season. In those sections of Ontario where Crimson 

 Clover is grown, it is commonly used as pasture for hogs. Fifteen 

 to twenty pounds of seed should be used to the acre. 



Seed: As Crimson Clover plants produce a great number of 

 heads, containing numerous blossoms, a large amount of seed is 

 generally deveLpcd. Favourable weather, however, is necessary 

 during harvesting, as the quality of the seed is affected by rain. 

 The seeds are easily shed and it is therefore advisable to cut when 

 the heads are wet with dew, to handle the crop with the utmost care 



28549—11 



