How Tall Does Clover Grow

If you’re planning a lawn alternative or a cover crop, you might be wondering how tall does clover grow. The maximum height of clover depends heavily on the specific type you choose, with some staying just a few inches tall and others reaching over three feet. Understanding this range is key to picking the right clover for your garden, pasture, or lawn project.

Clover is a versatile plant loved by gardeners, farmers, and bees alike. Its height influences everything from mowing schedules to its effectiveness at suppressing weeds. Let’s look at what determines how high your clover will get and how you can manage it for best results.

This is the core question. There isn’t a single answer because “clover” refers to many species. The maximum height is primarily determined by genetics. Think of it like dog breeds—a Chihuahua and a Great Dane are both dogs, but their sizes are vastly different.

Other factors like soil quality, sunlight, water, and how often you cut it also play a significant role. A clover plant in poor, dry soil will be much shorter than its potential, while one in rich, moist soil with plenty of sun can reach its full genetic height.

White Clover (Trifolium repens)

This is the most common clover for lawns. It’s a low-growing, creeping perennial.

Typical Height: 4 to 8 inches.
Maximum Height: When left completely unmowed and in ideal conditions (like a flowering meadow), the flower stems can reach up to 12 inches.
Best For: Mixed lawns, bee gardens, and ground cover. It tolerates foot traffic and regular mowing well.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

This is a taller, biennial or short-lived perennial clover often used in agriculture.

Typical Height: 12 to 20 inches.
Maximum Height: Can grow up to 30 inches or more when allowed to fully mature for hay or seed production.
Best For: Cover cropping, forage for livestock, and attracting larger pollinators. It’s not suitable for a typical lawn.

Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum)

An annual clover known for its stunning deep red flowers.

Typical Height: 12 to 24 inches.
Maximum Height: Under excellent growing conditions, it can sometimes reach 36 inches tall.
Best For: A striking winter annual cover crop or a beautiful addition to wildflower meadows.

Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum)

A perennial that tolerates wetter, poorer soils than other types.

Typical Height: 18 to 24 inches.
Maximum Height: Similar to red clover, it can grow up to 30 inches tall.
Best For: Pastures in cool, moist climates and areas with acidic soil.

Subterranean Clover (Trifolium subterraneum)

This unique annual clover has a very different growth habit.

Typical Height: Only 2 to 6 inches tall.
Maximum Height: It rarely exceeds 6 inches, as its stems grow along the ground.
Best For: Self-reseeding ground cover in orchards or vineyards, as it buries its own seeds.

Factors That Influence Clover Height

Even within a species, your clover’s height can vary. Here’s what to consider:

1. Sunlight Availability

Clover generally thrives in full sun to partial shade. In full sun, it grows more densely and can reach its full height potential. In deep shade, it becomes leggy as it stretches for light, but the overall plant may be weaker and not as tall as a healthy sun-fed plant.

2. Soil Nutrition and pH

Clover is a legume, which means it fixes its own nitrogen from the air. However, it still needs adequate levels of phosphorus and potassium. Soil pH is critical; clover prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, the plants will be stunted and yellow, never reaching their potential height.

3. Water and Climate

Consistent moisture promotes lush, tall growth. Drought stress will significantly limit height. Most clovers are cool-season plants, meaning they grow most vigorously in spring and fall. They may go dormant or die back in summer heat, which caps their height for the year.

4. Mowing or Grazing Management

This is the most direct control you have. Regular mowing or grazing keeps clover in a vegetative, leafy state and prevents it from putting energy into tall flower stems. For a clover lawn, frequent mowing will maintain it at 3-4 inches.

How to Manage Your Clover’s Height

Whether you want a short lawn or a tall meadow, you can guide your clover’s growth.

For a Short, Lawn-Like Appearance:

Choose a low-growing variety like White Clover.
Mow regularly, setting your mower blade to 3-4 inches high. Never cut more than one-third of the plant height at once.
Mow before the flowers fully form if you want to discourage bees temporarily (though they love the blooms!).

For Maximum Height and Bloom:

Choose a tall variety like Crimson or Red Clover.
Avoid mowing or cutting during its main growing season.
Ensure optimal soil conditions with a soil test and amend as needed.
Provide water during dry spells to prevent stress.

Common Questions About Clover Growth

Will clover take over my grass?

In a mixed lawn, clover will coexist with grass, not necessarily dominate it. It often fills in thin spots where grass struggles. If you have poor, low-nitrogen soil, clover may outcompete grass because it creates its own nitrogen. To maintain balance, ensure your soil fertility is good for grass too.

How fast does clover grow?

Clover establishes quickly from seed, often germinating in 7-10 days. It can form a good cover within 6-8 weeks. Its vertical growth rate slows as it matures and begins to spread laterally.

Can I mix tall and short clovers?

Yes, this is a common practice in pasture mixes. For example, White Clover provides ground-level forage while Red Clover offers taller growth. They complement each other and extend the grazing season. In a garden setting, mixing can create a tiered, natural look.

Does clover die back in winter?

Perennial clovers like White and Red will die back to the crown in winter in cold climates, regrowing from the roots in spring. Annual clovers like Crimson will complete their life cycle and die, relying on reseeding for the next year.

Practical Tips for Planting and Care

Test Your Soil: A simple test tells you your pH and nutrient levels. It’s the best first step you can take.
Inoculate Your Seeds: Use a rhizobium inoculant specific for clover when seeding. This coating helps the plants establish nitrogen-fixing nodules faster, leading to healthier, better-growing plants.
Seed at the Right Time: The best times are early spring or early fall. Cool temperatures and moist soil aid germination.
Water Gently: Keep the seedbed moist until seedlings are established. Avoid heavy watering that can wash seeds away.

Remember, the maximum height of clover is just one factor. Consider your goal: a no-mow bee haven, a resilient lawn, or a soil-building cover crop. By matching the clover type to your purpose and managing the growing conditions, you’ll get the results you want. Observing your plants each season will give you the best insight into what works in your specific garden.

FAQ Section

What is the tallest clover variety?
Tall Red Clover and some varieties of Crimson Clover are among the tallest, both capable of reaching 30 inches or more under ideal conditions.

How high does clover get if never mowed?
It depends on the type. White clover flower stems may reach 12 inches, while Red or Crimson clover can grow 2-3 feet tall, forming dense stands of flowers and foliage.

What affects clover growth height?
The main factors are the genetic type (species), soil fertility and pH, available sunlight, water, and whether it is cut or grazed.

Is clover easy to control?
Yes, its height is easily controlled by mowing. To remove it entirely, you may need to use a broadleaf herbicide or solarize the soil, as it can be persistent due to its creeping stems and hard seeds.

Does clover come back every year?
Perennial clovers like White and Red clover will return for several years. Annual clovers like Crimson complete their life cycle in one year but often reseed themselves reliably if allowed to flower and set seed.