If you’re a gardener or land manager in Georgia, knowing when to plant clover is the first step to a successful stand. The optimal timing for planting clover in Georgia hinges on understanding our distinct seasons and your specific goals.
This guide will walk you through the best dates, varieties, and methods to get your clover thriving. We’ll cover both cool-season and warm-season types so you can choose the right one for your needs.
When to Plant Clover in Georgia – Optimal Timing for Planting
Getting the timing right is about more than just a date on the calender. It’s about soil temperature, rainfall patterns, and avoiding competition from weeds. For most of Georgia, the primary planting windows are in the fall and early spring.
Fall planting is generally the most successful for cool-season clovers. This gives the plants time to establish roots before winter and explode with growth in the spring.
Fall Planting: The Gold Standard
For cool-season clovers like Crimson, Arrowleaf, and White Clover, aim for a late September to mid-November planting window. This timing is crucial for several reasons.
- Cooler temperatures reduce stress on young seedlings.
- Autumn rains usually provide consistent moisture for germination.
- Weed competition from summer annuals is fading.
- The plant develops a strong root system over the winter.
Target a soil temperature at seeding depth of around 50-65°F. You can use a simple soil thermometer to check this. Planting to late in the fall, when the ground is to cold, can lead to poor germination and weak seedlings.
Spring Planting: A Viable Alternative
If you miss the fall window, early spring is your next best chance. The goal here is to plant as early as the soil can be worked, typically from late February through March.
Soil moisture is often good in early spring, but watch out for late frosts that can damage very young seedlings. Spring-planted clover must establish quickly before the heat and drought of a Georgia summer sets in. They often require more attentive watering.
Planting Warm-Season Clovers
For varieties like Alyce Clover, the rules change. These are planted in late spring, after the last frost date and when soils have warmed significantly. Aim for April to May. They thrive in the summer heat but will be killed by the first frost in fall.
Choosing the Right Clover for Your Georgia Plot
Your location within Georgia’s varied climate zones plays a big role. North Georgia has a shorter growing season than the Coastal Plain.
Cool-Season Clovers (Plant Fall or Early Spring)
- Crimson Clover: The classic Georgia favorite. It’s an annual with brilliant red blooms, excellent for soil nitrogen and wildlife. Very easy to establish.
- Arrowleaf Clover: A later-maturing annual that provides forage into early summer. It’s more drought-tolerant than some other types once established.
- White Clover (Ladino): A low-growing perennial that’s perfect for pastures and lawns. It handles grazing pressure well and persists for years.
- Red Clover: A short-lived perennial that does well in North and Central Georgia. It provides high-quality forage.
Warm-Season Clover (Plant Late Spring)
- Alyce Clover: An annual that loves heat and is highly attractive to deer and other wildlife during the summer months.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and germination.
1. Site Preparation
This is the most important step. Clover seeds are tiny and need a clean, firm seedbed. Mow or till the existing vegetation. Remove heavy thatch and large debris. The goal is bare soil with small soil particles.
2. Soil Testing and Amendment
Clover thrives in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Georgia soils are often acidic, so a soil test is your best investment. Apply lime as recommended to raise the pH, ideally several months before planting. Add phosphorus and potassium if the test indicates a need.
3. Seeding Method
You can broadcast seed by hand for small areas or use a broadcast spreader or drill for larger plots. Mixing the tiny clover seed with a carrier like sand or peat moss can help achieve an even distribution. Do not bury the seed deeply.
- Broadcasting: Spread seed and lightly drag the area with a rake or harrow to cover seeds 1/4 inch deep at most.
- Drilling: Use a seed drill with a small-seed box for the most precise, shallow planting.
4. Fertilizing at Planting
Unless your soil test shows very high levels, avoid nitrogen fertilizer at planting. Clover creates its own nitrogen. Too much nitrogen at the start will benefit competing grasses and weeds instead. Use only what the soil test recommends for phosphorus and potassium.
5. Rolling and Watering
After seeding, lightly roll the area with a cultipacker or lawn roller. This presses the seed into the soil, improving moisture contact. Water gently if possible, and keep the seedbed moist (not soggy) for the first 2-3 weeks until seedlings are established.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting Too Deep: This is the number one cause of failure. Clover seed needs light and should be barely covered.
- Ignoring Soil pH: In acidic soil, clover cannot access nutrients, no matter how much fertilizer you add.
- Using Old Seed: Clover seed viability declines after a couple years. Always check the germination date on the tag.
- Skipping Inoculation: Always use seed pre-inoculated with Rhizobia bacteria, or inoculate it yourself. This bacteria allows the clover to fix nitrogen.
- Letting Weeds Choke Seedlings: Mow weeds high during the establishment phase to give clover sunlight, but be careful not to mow the clover itself to short.
Care After Planting
Once established, clover is relatively low-maintenance. Mow or lightly graze it to keep it vigorous and encourage new growth. Monitor for pests like aphids, though they are rarely a major issue. A light application of potash in the fall can help perennial clovers like white clover survive winter stress.
Remember, a well-timed planting is your greatest tool. By aligning your work with Georgia’s seasons, you set your clover up for resilience and productivity from the start. The benefits—from soil health to wildlife attraction—are well worth the planning.
FAQ: Planting Clover in Georgia
What is the absolute best month to plant clover in Georgia?
For cool-season clovers, October is generally the ideal month across most of the state. Soil is still warm, rain is more likely, and weeds are less agressive.
Can I plant clover in the summer in Georgia?
Only warm-season clovers like Alyce Clover should be planted in late spring or early summer. Cool-season clovers will struggle and likely fail in the summer heat and drought.
How late is to late to plant clover in the fall?
If you plant after mid-November, the risk of a frost killing young seedlings increases significantly, especially in North Georgia. The plants won’t have enough time to develop a good root system.
Do I need to water my clover after planting?
Yes, especially if natural rainfall is lacking. Keeping the top inch of soil moist for the first few weeks is critical for germination and early seedling survival. After establishment, most clovers are quite drought-tolerant.
Should I mix clover with grass seed?
Yes, this is a common and excellent practice for pastures and lawns. The grass provides structure and erosion control, while the clover adds nitrogen and quality forage. Just ensure the grass species is compatible and not to aggressive.
Will clover come back every year?
It depends on the type. Annual clovers like Crimson and Arrowleaf will reseed themselves if managed properly (not mowed during seed set). Perennial clovers like White Clover will come back from their roots year after year.