White Clover Seed

White Clover Trifolium repens is a perennial clover with rounded pink white flower heads and attractive trifoliate leaves. It spreads by creeping stems to form a dense, resilient ground cover that is well suited to lawns, paths and garden areas where light mowing is preferred.

As a legume, white clover fixes nitrogen from the air in nodules on its roots. This natural nitrogen supply feeds surrounding grasses and plants, improving soil fertility and condition while reducing the need for additional fertiliser. Its dense growth also helps suppress weeds and protect the soil surface, making it useful both as a living ground cover and as a green manure.

White clover should be sown between March and August and grows best on loam or sandy soils. It is drought tolerant once established and can be grown as a green manure for a few months or left in place long term for several years. It tolerates occasional mowing and is suitable for lawns where mowing is infrequent. For a flowering lawn that supports wildlife, allow plants to bloom before cutting. If flowers are not desired, mow before flowering.

How to sow

Prepare the soil by digging it over and removing weeds. Firm the surface by treading lightly, then broadcast the seed evenly. Rake in gently and water well. In dry periods, watering may be needed until plants are established.
Use approximately 1.5g per square metre when sowing into an existing sward, or 10g per square metre when sowing onto a bare seedbed.

Maintenance as a green manure

For short term use, cut down and dig into the top 15cm of soil while stems are still soft. For long term use, cut back periodically to encourage fresh growth and prevent excessive flowering. Earthworms will help pull organic matter into the soil and release stored nitrogen.

To sow as a pollinator-friendly lawn or ground cover

White clover provides a long lasting nectar source for bees and other pollinating insects. It is especially useful in bee friendly lawns and low growing wildlife areas where frequent mowing is not required. Allowing clover to flower, even occasionally, can greatly increase insect activity in the garden.

Please note that although clover grows naturally in Britain, this seed is an agricultural variety and may be sourced from trusted growers overseas.