When To Plant Clover In Mississippi

If you’re a Mississippi gardener or land manager looking to improve your soil and attract wildlife, knowing when to plant clover in Mississippi is your first step to success. This guide will walk you through the optimal planting seasons for different clover types, ensuring you get the best possible results from your plot.

Clover is a fantastic plant for our state. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, provides excellent forage for wildlife and livestock, and helps suppress weeds. But timing your planting correctly is what makes the difference between a lush, green stand and a disappointing patch. Let’s break down the best times to get those seeds in the ground.

Mississippi’s long growing season and generally mild winters create two primary planting windows: fall and early spring. The best choice depends largely on the type of clover you’re using and your specific goals for the plot.

For most of the state, fall is the champion season for planting perennial clovers. This timing allows the plants to establish a strong root system before the summer heat arrives.

Fall Planting: The Preferred Method

Fall planting, typically from late September through mid-October, is ideal for many clover varieties. The soil is still warm from summer, which aids germination, while the cooler air temperatures reduce stress on young seedlings.

This schedule gives clover a head start. The plants develop through the fall and early winter, then explode with growth in the spring. Here’s why fall planting works so well:

Reduced competition from summer weeds.
Consistent fall rainfall usually provides good moisture.
Plants establish roots over winter for a stronger spring.

Early Spring Planting: A Solid Alternative

If you miss the fall window, early spring is your next best option. Aim to plant as soon as the ground can be worked, usually from late February to early April. The key is to get seeds down before the last frost date passes and summer heat sets in.

Spring-planted clover needs to grow quickly to survive its first summer. You’ll need to be more vigilant about watering during any dry spells. This method is often better for annual clovers or in prepared garden beds.

Regional Considerations Within Mississippi

Mississippi’s climate varies from the northern hills to the coastal plain. Your location fine-tunes the perfect planting date.

North Mississippi: Target early to mid-October for fall planting. Spring planting can begin in late March.
Central Mississippi: Aim for mid-October to early November for fall. Spring planting is good in late February through March.
South Mississippi: You can plant as late as early November for fall. Your spring window opens a bit earlier, in February.

Choosing Your Clover Type

Selecting the right clover for your needs is just as important as timing. Here are the most common types grown in Mississippi and when to plant them.

White Clover (Ladino or Durana)

This perennial favorite is excellent for wildlife plots and lawns. It’s low-growing and tolerant of grazing.

Optimal Planting Time: Late September to October. Can be planted in very early spring.
Key Tip: It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can handle partial shade.

Crimson Clover

This showy annual is a top choice for a winter cover crop or a beautiful, bee-attracting plot. It’s known for its brilliant red blooms in spring.

Optimal Planting Time: September through October. It needs to be planted in fall to over-winter.
Key Tip: It will naturally reseed if you let it go to seed in late spring.

Red Clover

Often grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, red clover is a great forage option. It’s more drought-tolerant than some other types.

Optimal Planting Time: Fall (October) is best. Early spring is also acceptable.
Key Tip: It performs well in a variety of soil conditions, even those that are moderately acidic.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve picked your date and seed, follow these steps for a successful establishment.

1. Site Preparation

Good preparation is 90% of the battle. Clover seeds are tiny and need good soil contact.

Test your soil pH. Clover prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Lime may be needed to raise pH.
Kill existing vegetation with glyphosate or by tilling. A clean seedbed is crucial.
Firm the soil with a roller or by walking over it. This prevents seeds from planting to deep.

2. Seeding Method

You can broadcast or drill clover seed. Broadcasting is more common for small plots.

Mix the small clover seed with a carrier like sand or peat moss to help spread it evenly.
Broadcast half the seed walking in one direction, then broadcast the other half walking perpendicular to the first pass.
Lightly drag the area with a rake or piece of chain-link fence to cover seeds 1/4 inch deep. Do not bury them deeply.

3. Post-Planting Care

Initial care ensures your seedlings get a strong start.

Watering: Keep the seedbed moist for the first 4-6 weeks, especially if rain is scarce.
Fertilization: Follow soil test recommendations. Generally, a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer is best at planting.
Weed Control: Mow weeds that outcompete young clover, being careful not to mow the clover itself until it’s well established.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors. Here’s what to watch out for.

Planting Too Deep: This is the number one cause of failure. Clover seed needs light to germinate well.
Poor Soil Contact: Seeds lying on top of thatch or hard soil won’t germinate. Ensure the seedbed is firm.
Wrong Soil pH: Clover struggles in highly acidic soil. A soil test is a small investment for big rewards.
Using Old Seed: Clover seed viability declines after a couple years. Always use fresh, high-quality seed for best germination rates.

FAQs: Planting Clover in Mississippi

Can I plant clover in the summer in Mississippi?

It is not recommended. The intense heat and drought stress of a Mississippi summer make it very difficult for clover seedlings to survive. The competition from summer weeds is also at its peak.

What is the best clover for deer in Mississippi?

For perennial plots, a mix of white clover (like Ladino) and red clover is excellent. For annual plots, crimson clover is a highly attractive choice that deer love in the spring.

How long does it take for clover to germinate?

With adequate moisture and correct soil temperature, clover seed typically germinates in 7 to 14 days. You should see the first tiny leaves (cotyledons) within two weeks under good conditions.

Do I need to inoculate clover seed?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Inoculant contains specific rhizobia bacteria that allow clover to fix nitrogen. Always use fresh inoculant labeled for the type of clover you are planting and apply it just before seeding.

Can I overseed clover into an existing lawn or pasture?

Yes, but preparation is key. Mow the existing vegetation very short and heavily scratch or dethatch the soil surface to create bare spots for seed-to-soil contact. Fall is the best time for overseeding in Mississippi.

By following this guide and paying close attention to timing, you can establish a thriving clover plot that benefits your garden, your soil, and local wildlife. Remember, the extra effort put into planting at the right time and preparing the site properly pays off for seasons to come with minimal maintenance required. Just be patient during the germination phase and provide those young seedlings with the moisture they need to get started.