When to Plant and Harvest Crimson Clover
Nitrogen-fixing legume cover crop sown in late summer or early fall; needs about 6 weeks before first frost to establish
Pets: Not on the ASPCA list. ASPCA has no entry for this crop. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Crimson Clover
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Crimson Clover in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 70F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 6 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | June 16 to July 14 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | June 27 to July 25 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | July 7 to August 4 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | July 17 to August 14 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 1 to August 29 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | August 11 to September 8 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | August 23 to September 20 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 6 to October 4 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to October 29 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 21 to November 18 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 2 inches apart, 6 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 70F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Keep seedbed moist until established; then 1 inch per week if dry
- Days to harvest: 180
Fertilization
- Compost organic: 1-2 inches worked into soil before sowing
- Inoculant (Rhizobium) organic: Treat seed per package for nitrogen fixation
Companion Plants
- Winter Rye
- Oats
- Winter Peas
Avoid Planting Near
- Beds reserved for immediate fall greens or garlic
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Stand covers soil before a hard freeze
- Plants are well rooted and 4-6 inches tall in fall
- Terminate in spring before bloom if you need the bed for vegetables
- Do not let it set seed if you want to avoid volunteers
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Crimson Clover?
Crimson Clover planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Crimson Clover?
The best time of year to plant Crimson Clover is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Crimson Clover?
Plant Crimson Clover in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 70F, and enough room for 2 inches between plants and 6 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Crimson Clover?
Plant Crimson Clover about 2 inches apart, with rows around 6 inches apart.
What grows well with Crimson Clover?
Crimson Clover is commonly paired with Winter Rye, Oats, Winter Peas.
How long does Crimson Clover take to grow?
Crimson Clover is typically ready to harvest in about 180 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Crimson Clover?
Harvest Crimson Clover when stand covers soil before a hard freeze. Plants are well rooted and 4-6 inches tall in fall Terminate in spring before bloom if you need the bed for vegetables