When To Plant Clover In Colorado

If you’re wondering when to plant clover in Colorado, timing is the most important factor for success. The state’s varied climate means you have two main windows to get seeds in the ground for a lush, green cover.

Planting at the right time ensures strong germination and gives the plants a chance to establish roots before extreme heat or cold hits. This guide will walk you through the optimal schedule for your area and the simple steps to follow.

The best times to plant clover in Colorado are late summer to early fall and early spring. Your specific choice depends on your location within the state’s different growing zones.

Fall Planting (Recommended): Late August to Mid-September

Fall is often the best time to plant clover across most of Colorado. The cooling soil and reliable autumn moisture create perfect conditions.

Warm soil from summer speeds up germination.
Cooler air temperatures reduce stress on seedlings.
Fall rains (and winter snows) provide consistent moisture.
Weeds are less competitive, giving clover a head start.
The plants establish roots before going dormant, leading to a vigorous spring green-up.

Spring Planting: April to Early May

Spring planting is your second option, but it comes with more challenges. It works best in cooler, high-elevation areas where summers aren’t as intense.

Wait until the soil is workable and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 40°F.
Spring rains can help, but you must be prepared to irrigate as summer heat arrives.
Weed competition is much higher in the spring.
Clover planted in spring must mature quickly before the summer heat, which can be difficult in hotter regions.

Colorado’s Climate Zones and Your Planting Calendar

Colorado has three main gardening regions. Your planting dates should align with your zone.

Front Range & Urban Corridor (Zones 5-6)

This includes cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins. The semi-arid climate here is ideal for fall planting.

Optimal Fall Planting: August 20 – September 15.
Spring Planting: April 1 – May 1 (with diligent watering).

Western Slopes & Valleys (Zones 6-7)

Areas like Grand Junction and Palisade have milder winters but hotter, drier summers. Fall is also prefered here.

Optimal Fall Planting: September 1 – September 20.
Spring Planting: March 15 – April 15 (earlier due to warmer springs).

High Mountain Regions (Zones 3-4)

For towns above 7,000 feet, the growing season is short. Spring planting is often more reliable, as early frosts can disrupt fall seeding.

Spring Planting Only: May 15 – June 15, after the last hard frost.
Avoid fall planting unless done very early, right after summer monsoon moisture.

Choosing the Right Clover for Colorado

Not all clovers are the same. Selecting a type suited to Colorado’s conditions is crucial.

White Clover (Dutch Clover): A low-growing perennial perfect for lawns, pastures, and as a living mulch. It’s drought-tolerant once established and handles foot traffic well.
Red Clover: A taller, biennial clover excellent for cover cropping, attracting pollinators, and improving soil. It’s very cold-hardy.
Micro Clover: A tiny-leaved variety of white clover that blends seamlessly into lawns and requires less mowing. It’s a great eco-friendly lawn alternative.
Crimson Clover: An annual often used as a cover crop. It grows fast and adds significant nitrogen to the soil, but it won’t come back year after year.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve picked your time and seed variety, follow these steps.

1. Site Preparation

Good seed-to-soil contact is essential. Start by removing large weeds and debris. Mow existing vegetation as short as possible. You don’t need a perfectly bare seedbed; clover can be overseeded into existing lawns.

2. Soil Testing & Amendment

Clover thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Colorado soils are often alkaline (high pH).

A simple soil test can confirm your pH and nutrient levels.
Clover fixes its own nitrogen, so it doesn’t need nitrogen fertilizer. In fact, added nitrogen can hurt it.
If your soil is very poor, a light application of phosphorus and potassium can help establishment.

3. Seeding

Clover seeds are very small. Mix them with sand or fine soil to help spread them evenly.

Rate: Use about 2-4 pounds of seed per acre, or 1-2 ounces per 1,000 square feet for lawn areas.
Method: Broadcast by hand or with a spreader. For small areas, just scatter them carefully.
Covering: Gently rake the area to cover seeds with about 1/4 inch of soil. You can also walk over the area to press them in.

4. Watering for Establishment

This is the most critical step after planting. Keep the seedbed consistently moist, not soggy, for the first 2-3 weeks.

Water lightly 1-2 times daily if there’s no rain.
Once seedlings are about 2 inches tall, you can reduce watering to deeper, less frequent sessions.
Established clover is quite drought-tolerant, but it will stay greener with occasional deep watering during dry spells.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good timing, a few errors can set you back. Here’s what to watch out for.

Planting Too Deep: Clover seeds are tiny. Burying them deeper than 1/2 inch will prevent them from sprouting.
Using Nitrogen Fertilizer: This encourages grass and weed competition, which can smother young clover seedlings.
Neglecting Initial Watering: Letting the seedbed dry out in the first week will cause germination to fail.
Wrong Variety for Purpose: Don’t plant tall red clover if you want a walking lawn, for example. Choose the type that fits your goal.

FAQs: Planting Clover in Colorado

Can I just sprinkle clover seed on my lawn?

Yes, overseeding is common. For best results, mow your lawn very short and rake it to disturb the soil surface slightly before sprinkling the seed. This gives the seeds a better chance to make contact with soil.

Will clover come back every year in Colorado?

It depends on the type. Perennial clovers like white clover and red clover will come back for several years. Annual types like crimson clover will die after one season but may reseed itself if allowed to flower and go to seed.

Is clover good for Colorado soil?

Absolutely. Clover is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means it takes nitrogen from the air and puts it into the soil. This improves soil fertility naturally, benefiting nearby grasses and plants without the need for chemical fertilizers.

What is the best clover for a Colorado lawn mix?

Micro Clover or standard White Dutch Clover are excellent choices to mix with traditional lawn grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue. They add nitrogen, reduce fertilizer needs, and stay green during dry periods when grass might go brown.

How long does it take clover to germinate?

With adequate moisture, clover seeds typically germinate in 7 to 14 days. You’ll see tiny clover leaves shortly after. Growth is slower in cooler fall temperatures but steady.

Caring for Your Established Clover

Once your clover is growing well, maintenance is minimal. Mow it occasionally to encourage dense growth and remove old flowers if you don’t want it to reseed. In the fall, leave the last growth to help protect the crowns over winter. A light layer of compost in the spring can provide trace minerals, but avoid rich fertilizers. Watch for signs of overwatering, like yellowing leaves, and adjust your schedule. With the right start, your clover will be a resilient and beneficial part of your Colorado landscape for seasons to come.