When To Plant Clover In Oklahoma

If you’re wondering when to plant clover in Oklahoma, timing is your most important decision. Getting this right means the difference between a lush, green stand and a patchy disappointment. This guide will walk you through the optimal windows for success, tailored to our unique Oklahoma climate.

Clover is a fantastic choice for lawns, pastures, and gardens here. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, attracts pollinators, and stays green even in tough conditions. But to get these benefits, you need to plant at the right time of year.

For most of Oklahoma, the best times to plant clover are in the fall or early spring. Fall planting is generally prefered because it gives the clover a longer, cooler period to establish before the summer heat.

Let’s break down the two primary seasons.

Fall Planting (The Top Choice)

Planting in the fall is often the most successful strategy. The goal is to get seed in the ground so it establishes before a hard freeze but doesn’t grow so much it winterkills.

Optimal Window: Late September through mid-October.
Why it Works: Warm soil helps with germination, while cooler air temperatures are ideal for seedling growth. Fall rains (usually) provide good moisture.
Key Benefit: Clover develops a strong root system over the winter and is ready for explosive growth in early spring, often out-competing spring weeds.

Spring Planting

Spring planting can work, but it comes with more challenges. You’re racing against summer heat and weeds.

Optimal Window: Early March to mid-April.
Why it’s Trickier: Spring rains can be unpredictable, and weeds germinate aggressively. The young plants must endure the summer heat sooner.
Key Tip: If planting in spring, do it as early as possible. This gives the clover extra weeks to grow before the stress of summer arrives.

Regional Considerations in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s climate varies from east to west. This affects your ideal planting date.

Eastern Oklahoma

With more rainfall and humidity, you have a slightly more flexible window. Fall planting can extend into late October. Spring planting is a bit more reliable due to better moisture.

Central Oklahoma

This is the transition zone. Stick to the core windows: late September for fall, early March for spring. Watch soil moisture closly.

Western Oklahoma

Drier and more prone to temperature extremes. Fall planting is strongly advised. Aim for early to mid-September to capitalize on any late summer rains. Spring planting is risky without irrigation.

Choosing Your Clover Type

The “when” depends partly on the “what.” Here are the common types for Oklahoma.

White Clover (Dutch White or Ladino): Excellent for lawns and pastures. Very hardy. Best planted in fall.
Red Clover: A taller, biennial type great for hay or soil improvement. Does well with either fall or very early spring planting.
Crimson Clover: An annual often used as a cover crop. Plant in early fall or very early spring. It will flower and die in the heat.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve picked your time, follow these steps for the best results.

1. Site Preparation

Good seed-to-soil contact is critical. Clover seeds are tiny.

Mow existing vegetation very short.
Remove thatch and debris to bare the soil surface as much as possible.
You don’t need to till deeply. A light raking or scratching of the soil surface is perfect.

2. Seeding

Clover seed is small, so it’s easy to plant to much or too little.

Use a broadcast spreader for even coverage.
Rate is typically 2-4 pounds per acre for pastures, or 1-2 ounces per 1,000 sq ft for lawns.
Mix seed with sand or a carrier to help spread it evenly.

3. Covering and Firming

Don’t bury the seed deep. Just 1/4 inch of soil is plenty.

Lightly rake the area to cover most seeds.
Use a lawn roller or simply walk over the area to press the seed into firm contact with the soil.

4. Watering

Keep the seedbed consistently moist for the first 4-6 weeks.

Water lightly but frequently, especially if rain is absent.
Once established, clover is quite drought-tolerant, but seedlings need help.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good timing, these errors can cause failure.

Planting Too Deep: This is the number one reason for poor germination. Clover seed needs light.
Using Old Seed: Clover seed viability declines after a couple years. Use fresh, inoculated seed for best results.
Fertilizing with Nitrogen: Clover makes its own nitrogen. High-nitrogen fertilizer will only benefit the grass and weeds around it, which can smother the seedlings.
Ignoring Soil pH: Clover prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A simple soil test can tell you if you need to add lime.

Caring for Your New Clover Stand

After germination, a little care ensures a thick, healthy stand.

Weed Competition: Mow weeds high to allow sunlight to reach the young clover. Avoid herbicides unless they are specifically labeled for use on establishing clover.
First Mowing: Wait until the clover is at least 6-8 inches tall before the first mowing, and never cut below 3 inches.
Long-Term Care: Clover needs little fertilizer. An annual application of phosphorus and potassium, based on a soil test, is usually sufficient.

FAQ

Can I plant clover in Oklahoma in the summer?

It is not recommended. The intense heat and drought stress make it very hard for seedlings to survive. Summer planting usually leads to wasted seed and effort.

What is the latest I can plant clover in the fall?

Aim to have seed down at least 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost (usually late November). This gives roots time to develop. Planting to late means seedlings may not be hardy enough for winter.

Should I mix clover with grass seed?

Yes, this is a common and excellent practice. Sow the grass seed first, lightly rake it in, then broadcast the clover seed on top and firm the soil. They establish well together.

Does clover come back every year in Oklahoma?

It depends on the type. White clover is a perennial and will come back. Crimson clover is an annual and will die after flowering but often reseeds. Red clover is a short-lived perennial, lasting 2-3 years.

How long does it take for clover to germinate?

With adequate moisture and warm soil (above 50°F), clover seed typically germinates in 7-14 days. Cooler soil temperatures will slow this process down.

By following these timing guidelines and planting tips, you can establish a beautiful clover plot that benefits your soil, your livestock, or your lawn. The key is to work with Oklahoma’s seasons, not against them. Paying attention to your specific region and the forcast will set you up for a successful stand of clover.