Ever look at a lush, green lawn and wonder about its secret ingredient? Many homeowners chase that perfect turf, but often overlook a tiny powerhouse that can transform their yard: clover. While traditional grass can demand constant watering and heavy fertilizer, clover offers a natural, vibrant alternative. It’s a fantastic way to keep your lawn healthy without all the fuss.
Choosing the right clover, however, can feel like a maze. Should you pick White, Red, or maybe something else entirely? Picking the wrong type means your lawn might not thrive, leaving you with patchy spots instead of a carpet of green. You want a clover that fits your climate and how you use your yard.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best types of clover specifically for lawns. You will learn which varieties offer the thickest ground cover, which ones handle foot traffic best, and how to successfully mix clover into your existing grass. Get ready to discover the easy path to a greener, more resilient lawn!
Top Type Of Clover For Lawns Recommendations
- KILLS WEEDS – NOT THE LAWN: When used as directed
- VISIBLE RESULTS IN 5 HOURS: Conquer unruly weeds and see visible results in as fast as 5 hours
- KILLS 470+ WEED TYPES AS LISTED: Kills broadleaf and grassy weeds including dandelion, chickweed and clover as well as crabgrass and yellow nutsedge – see product label for complete list of weed types
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds by contact down to the root
- READY-TO-USE FORMULA: No mixing required
- Large capacity & high germination: 2 lbs. of white clover seed can cover up to 1,000 sq. ft. of land, making it easy to quickly create a lush green landscape, whether it's a patio, lawn, or garden. The Groundio selects high-quality seeds that are specially Nitrocoated and inoculated to ensure a high rate of germination and robust growth, guaranteeing planting results at the source
- Perennial & Easy to grow: Clover is a perennial plant suitable for growing in USDA zones 3-10, seeds can be buried 1/8 inch (3 mm) deep or sprinkled directly on the soil surface and lightly mulched. No special care is needed, germination occurs in 7-14 days, the plant is adaptable, grows in full sun or semi-shade, yields better in full sun, matures to a height of about 8-12 inches, suitable for pastures, lawns, gardens, and many other scenarios
- Nitrogen Fixation: White Clover has a strong nitrogen fixing ability, naturally enhancing soil fertility for sustainable cultivation. The dense foliage covers the ground, which regulates ground temperature, maintains soil moisture, and inhibits weed growth
- Attracts pollinators: Clover is not only pleasing to the eye when in bloom, it is also an ideal source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, which promotes pollination and fruiting of neighboring plants and contributes to the ecological balance; Clover is rich in protein, so it is also a natural fodder for cows, horses, and deer etc
- A garden must-have: Groundio White Clover is the perfect choice for your garden, easy to grow with not much time or effort, white flowers on green foliage, a lush natural beauty, whether used as a ground cover or planted between paving stones, clover is the ideal choice!
- Pennington turf grass with self-fertilizing white clover
- Establishes quickly and lasts for years - even on slopes and hills
- Grass and Clover Mix is pollinator-friendly
- Grows best in northern region of the US
- Plant in spring or early fall
- PREMIUM QUALITY CLOVER SEED: This high-quality white clover seed is perfect for erosion control, creating a lush lawn alternative, and enriching pasture mixtures. Ideal for covering large areas, it serves multiple purposes including use in deer food plots, green manure crops, and ground cover, making it the most suitable white dutch clover seeds for lawn, garden and backyard.
- ADVANCED NITROCOATED & INOCULATED SEEDS - Specially treated to ensure superior germination rates and enhance soil health, these ground cover seeds promote robust plant growth. They naturally boost soil nitrogen by fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil, making them a great clover seed choice for any agricultural application.
- ADAPTABLE TO USDA ZONES 3-10 - Thriving in a wide range of climates, from full sun to partial shade, this white clover seed for lawns is suitable for various regions across the country. Whether you're in the north or south, this resilient clover ensures lush growth and reliable coverage, making it an excellent cover crop seed mix for drought resistant grass seed, red creeping thyme live plants & irish moss seeds.
- EASY & EFFECTIVE SEEDING: Simply disperse the white flower seeds on prepared soil, lightly rake them in, and keep them continually moist. Expect quick germination within 14 days at temperatures between 65-70F. With a seeding rate of 1/4 lb to 1/2 lb per 1,000 square feet or 8 to 10 lbs per acre, it’s ideal for large areas and bulk planting.
- OPTIMAL GROWTH & AESTHETIC APPEAL - Growing to a manageable height of 8-12 inches, this perennial clover seeds feature beautiful white blooms that enhance your landscape. It is a great choice for use as a flowering ground cover and a lawn patch alternative.
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- Weed Control and Lawn Fertilizer: controls over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Weed and Feed for Lawns: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; do not apply more than 2X per year
- Use on Listed Grass Types: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- Coverage: One 14.29 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 covers 5,000 sq. ft.; use a Scotts spreader for even, uniform coverage
- IDEAL LAWN ALTERNATIVE OR MIX-IN: Our miniclover seed is a trifolium repens that serves as a perfect alternative to traditional lawns or can be seamlessly blend with your existing grass. This variety of dwarf clover is a perennial, white clover which provides a lush and green landscape that reduces the need for frequent reseeding and intensive lawn care, ensuring a consistently dense and healthy yard.
- NITROGEN-FIXING ABILITY: Our mini clover seeds for lawn has the unique ability to pull nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form for plants, naturally fertilizing your lawn and promoting healthier, greener grass. The dense growth habit of our mini clover seed also helps prevent unwanted plants, keeping your lawn pristine.
- DROUGHT-TOLERANT & LOW-MAINTENANCE: You only need to add 2-5% of our microclover seed to your grass seed mixture to see significant improvements in lawn quality, making it a highly cost-effective solution. It is exceptionally low maintenance wear, and drought-tolerant, making it perfect for busy homeowners who want a beautiful lawn without the hassle of extensive upkeep.
- SMALL-LEAVED & LOW MOWING TOLERANCE: Our small-leaved, white clover seed features a very small leaf and only grows half as tall as white dutch clover (4-6 inches). It also produces stolons allowing it to spread evenly over the ground. It is highly tolerant to low mowing heights, so you can easily mow it down to achieve a neat and manicured look without damaging the live plants.
- SEASONAL FLOWERING: Outsidepride MiniClover will produce charming white flowers for about one month during the summer if it is not mowed, adding a touch of seasonal beauty and visual interest to your lawn. Each flower may attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden. Our pelleted white clover seed be grown as ground cover and as perennials in USDA Zones 3-10.
- KILLS WEEDS – NOT THE LAWN: When used as directed
- VISIBLE RESULTS IN HOURS: Conquer unruly weeds and see visible results in hours
- KILLS 460+ WEED TYPES AS LISTED: Kills broadleaf and grassy weeds, including dandelion, chickweed and clover, as well as yellow nutsedge
- KILLS THE ROOT: Kills weeds by contact down to the root
- READY TO USE: No mixing required
Choosing the Best Clover for Your Lawn: A Buying Guide
Clover can make your lawn greener and healthier. It needs less water and fertilizer than regular grass. This guide helps you pick the right clover for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When buying clover seed, look closely at these important features.
- **Seed Type:** Different clovers suit different needs. White clover stays low, perfect for mowing. Red clover grows taller, better for wildlife or cutting for hay. Crimson clover has pretty red flowers but often acts like an annual.
- **Dormancy Level:** Some clovers go dormant (turn brown) in the summer heat or winter cold. Look for varieties that stay green longer in your local climate.
- **Growth Habit:** Do you want the clover to spread quickly or stay in small patches? Spreading clovers fill in bare spots fast.
- **Inoculant Coating:** Good clover seeds come coated with rhizobia bacteria. This coating helps the clover pull nitrogen from the air, feeding itself and your lawn.
Important Materials and Ingredients
Clover seed is simple, but the coating matters.
The main material is, of course, the clover seed itself. However, always check the packaging for the **inoculant**. This is a powder or coating containing the helpful bacteria. If the seed is old or the coating is chipped off, the clover will struggle to grow well. High-quality seeds will clearly state the type and amount of inoculant applied.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one bag of seed better than another?
Factors Improving Quality:
- **High Germination Rate:** This means more seeds will sprout. Look for a rate of 85% or higher.
- **Pure Seed Content:** Good seed bags have very few weed seeds mixed in. Read the label to see the percentage of pure clover seed.
- **Freshness:** Newer seed sprouts better. Check the packaging date if possible.
Factors Reducing Quality:
- **Weed Seeds:** Cheaper mixes often contain seeds for unwanted plants. These compete with your new clover.
- **Old or Damaged Coating:** If the beneficial bacteria coating is missing, the clover will need more fertilizer to survive.
- **Wrong Climate Variety:** Buying clover meant for hot climates when you live somewhere cold will result in poor growth.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use the clover? This changes your best choice.
If you want to mix clover into your existing turfgrass (like Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass), you need **Microclover** or **White Clover**. These varieties stay short, handle regular mowing, and blend in well. They reduce your need to fertilize the whole lawn.
If you are creating a new pollinator garden or a low-maintenance area, **Red Clover** or **Crimson Clover** works well. These grow taller and attract many bees. They look beautiful but might need mowing less often, or not at all.
People love clover because it stays green during summer droughts better than grass. It also naturally fixes nitrogen, which feeds the surrounding grass. This saves you time and money on lawn care products.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lawn Clover
Q: How fast does clover grow after planting?
A: Clover usually sprouts within 7 to 14 days if you keep the soil moist. It thickens up over the next few weeks.
Q: Do I need to remove my grass before planting clover?
A: For best results, you should remove about half the existing grass first. You can lightly rake the area or use a weed killer. Then, spread the seed and rake it in gently.
Q: Can I mow clover right after it sprouts?
A: Wait until the clover is about 3 to 4 inches tall before the first mow. Set your mower blade high, around 3 inches. Never cut off more than one-third of the clover leaf at one time.
Q: Will clover attract more bees to my yard?
A: Yes, clover produces nectar that bees love. White clover is the most common type found in lawns and attracts many pollinators.
Q: Is clover better than grass for dry areas?
A: Clover is generally much better than most turf grasses in dry conditions because its roots reach deeper into the soil for water.
Q: What is the best time of year to plant clover?
A: Early spring or early fall are the best times. The soil is cool, and there is usually enough rain to help the seeds sprout without drying out.
Q: Does clover need a lot of sunlight?
A: Clover needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. It does not do well in deep shade.
Q: What is the difference between microclover and regular white clover?
A: Microclover is bred to stay shorter, usually under 6 inches tall, making it look more like traditional lawn grass when mowed.
Q: Do I still need to fertilize my lawn if I plant clover?
A: You will need much less fertilizer because the clover puts nitrogen back into the soil. However, your grass might still need a small amount of phosphorus or potassium occasionally.
Q: Can I overseed clover into an existing lawn?
A: Yes, this is a popular use. You should lightly rake or dethatch the lawn first to expose some soil so the clover seeds can make good contact with the dirt.