Growing Red Clover 



Information for this publication 

 was furnished by the Crops Re- 

 search Division, Agricultural 

 Research Service 



Red clover is a short-lived peren- 

 nial legume native to the countries 

 that border the Mediterranean and 

 Red Seas. It is adapted to most of 

 the United States, including Alaska. 

 It is grown for hay and silage, pas- 

 ture, soil improvement, and seed. 



As a forage crop it is excellent for 

 livestock and poultry. In compari- 

 son with alfalfa, red clover hay has 

 about two-thirds as much digestible 

 protein, slightly more total digest- 

 ible nutrients, and a slightly higher 

 net energy value. 



It will grow in any moist, well- 

 drained soil that is not too sandy. 

 A good soil for red clover is one that 

 produces a good yield of corn, to- 

 bacco, or small grain. 



WHERE AND HOW IT GROWS 



The accompanying map shows 

 the three zones where red clover is 

 adapted to the United States. In 

 zone 1, and in the higher eleva- 

 tions of zones 2 and 3, red clover 

 grows as a biennial or short-lived 

 perennial. 



In the lower elevations of zone 



2, it grows as a winter annual. Fall- 

 seeded red clover germinates and 

 exists throughout the winter in the 

 form of a low rosette. 



In the lower elevations of zone 



3, it grows (under irrigation) as 

 a biennial. 



Under ideal conditions, the plant 

 grows to a height of about 30 inches. 



Most red clover flowers are red- 

 dish purple; a few are rose, lilac, 

 pink, or white. They are self -sterile 

 and must be cross-pollinated. 



Red clover seed varies in color 

 from almost white to yellow to pur- 

 ple, It is about one-twelfth inch 



