Short lived red clover for one year hay rotation or nitrogen fixing cover crop.
$260.00
Organic VNS red clover is a short lived perennial used to
supply nitrogen. It fixes a lot of nitrogen even in highnitrogen
soils. It has shade tolerance so it can be over
seeded and incorporated in May of the following year.
Since red clover seedlings tend to be slow growing, it
benefits from a nurse crop.
| Weight | 50 lbs |
|---|
Planting Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep into a finely prepared, firm seedbed to ensure proper soil-to-seed contact.
Seeding Rate: Broadcast or drill at 10–12 lbs per acre for pure stands, or 4–6 lbs per acre when incorporating into forage or pasture mixes
Ideal pH: Thrives best in soils with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Soil & Fertility: Prefers well-drained to moderately drained soils rich in phosphorus and potassium. Limit heavy nitrogen applications to prevent weed competition.
Nitrogen Fixation: Pre-inoculation with host-specific Rhizobium bacteria promotes natural nitrogen fixation, cutting down on synthetic fertilizer costs.
Protection & Stand Establishment: The protective coating guards young seedlings against early moisture stress and soil-borne diseases for more uniform germination.
Spring Window: Plant from late March through May once soil temperatures reach 50°F.
Late Summer / Frost Seeding: A secondary window opens from August through early September. You can also frost-seed by broadcasting onto frozen ground in late winter (February–March).
Harvest Timing: Cut for hay or graze at 10–12% bloom to maximize digestibility and crude protein levels.
Overwintering: Allow a 4-to-6-week recovery period prior to the first hard autumn frost so plants can store root reserves for winter survival.
