|
Primary Uses: |
Forage |
|
Planting: |
Crimson Clover should be covered with
about 1/4 inch of soil. It is better for the seed to be on the
soil surface than to be covered with more than 1/2 inch of
soil. Best planting dates for southern Ohio are between August
1st and October 15th. |
|
Seeding Rate: |
23-30 lbs pure live seed/acre |
|
Fertility: |
Crimson Clover is best suited to sandy,
but not droughty soils. It can be productive on well drained
clay soils. It yields best with at least medium levels of
phosphorus and potassium. Application of about 2 lbs.
Boron/acre may be required if reseeding on sandy soil. Crimson
clover is more tolerant of acidity than some legumes but normally
does best when the soil pH is between 5.8 - 6.5. |
|
Insects: |
Several species of insects may damage
the foliage, however foliage-damaging insects are usually not a
problem. |
|
Diseases: |
Crown and Stem rot may be a problem
during cool, damp weather. Removal of some of the foliage by
grazing will be helpful in some cases. |
|
Harvest: |
Crimson Clover should not be grazed
until the plants are 4-6 inches tall. Reseeding is required
each year and grazing and cutting must be stopped when the crop
begins to bloom. Once mature seed have been produced the field
can be grazed or cut for hay. Mixtures of Crimson Clover and
winter annual grasses make excellent quality hay or silage.
Regrowth from Crimson Clover after cutting is usually poor, so only
one harvest can be expected to contain significant quantities of
clover. |
|
Comments: |
Overly mature blooms of Crimson Clover
may contain barbed hairs which may be dangerous to horses.
Harvesting promptly after the clover begins to bloom avoids the
problem. It is also possible for animals grazing Crimson
Clover to bloat, but much less likely than for white clover or
alfalfa. |
