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
- LOW MAINTENANCE STRAWBERRY CLOVER SEEDS FOR LAWNS: O.M. Scott & Sons Strawberry Clover Seed is crafted with premium strawberry clover which grows a naturally low-maintenance green space with small, pink flowers
- DROUGHT TOLERANT: Strawberry clovers stay greener longer during drought so you can spend less time on yard work and more time on yard play; built for yards in USDA Zones 6A-9A
- SAFE FOR USE AROUND KIDS & PETS: This clover lawn seed contains no added artificial ingredients or pesticides, and it's safe for use around people and pets (when used as directed)
- WHEN TO APPLY: Apply these clover ground cover seeds in the spring or fall when the daily average temperature is consistently between 60°F and 75°F for two weeks; one 2 lb. bag covers 1,000 sq. ft.
- RECYCLABLE PACKAGING: O.M. Scott & Sons products are packaged in a recyclable paper bag; apply the clover lawn seed product to your yard then toss the bag in your curbside recycling bin where available
- WEED AND FEED FOR LAWNS: Apply this combination weed killer for grass and lawn food to your wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; don't apply more than 2X per year
- WEED KILLER PLUS LAWN FOOD: Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 weed killer plus fertilizer for grass is a clover and dandelion killer for lawns that also feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- DO NOT USE ON: Do not use this grass fertilizer for lawns plus yard weed killer on St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), Dichondra, Lippia, Carpetgrass, and Bentgrass lawns
- USE ON LISTED GRASS TYPES: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- WEED CONTROL FOR LAWNS: These Scotts weed killer plus lawn fertilizer granules control over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- 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
- PREMIUM QUALITY CLOVER SEED: This high-quality white clover seed is perfect for erosion control, creating a lush lawn alternative, enriching pasture mixtures, and supporting seasonal food plot preparation. Ideal for homeowners, gardeners, landscapers, farmers, and wildlife managers, it works well for deer food plots, green manure crops, ground cover, lawns, gardens, and backyards.
- ADVANCED NITROCOATED & INOCULATED SEEDS: Specially treated to support 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 lawns, gardens, pastures, cover crop mixes, and agricultural applications.
- 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. Great for spring or fall planting, lawn renovation, pasture improvement, and sustainable ground cover, this resilient clover provides lush growth and reliable coverage.
- EASY & EFFECTIVE SEEDING: Simply disperse the white flower seeds on prepared soil, lightly rake them in, and keep them continually moist. Plant alone or mix with grass seed, pasture blends, or cover crop mixes. Expect quick germination within 14 days at 65-70°F, with a seeding rate of 1/4 lb to 1/2 lb per 1,000 square feet or 8 to 10 lbs per acre.
- OPTIMAL GROWTH & AESTHETIC APPEAL: Growing to a manageable height of 8-12 inches, this perennial clover seed features beautiful white blooms that enhance your landscape. Perfect for customers interested in eco-friendly lawn alternatives, soil improvement, reduced yard maintenance, and a drought-tolerant lawn alternative that naturally supports healthier soil.
- Natural beauty of three different flowers and lush growth, attracting honey bees, etc.
- Improves and protects soil, great green manure, compost/mulch, adds organic matter to soil.
- Great for use in garden & growth plots; nitrogen affixent, boosting soil fertility & health
- No weed seeds, no fillers, no coatings, no other crop seeds!
- Authentic Willamette Valley, Oregon USA grown seed (Non GMO and Weed Seed Free)!
- 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
- EXCEPTIONAL WEAR TOLERANCE FOR HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS: Our PC2.0 / Penncross Creeping Bentgrass seed is expertly crafted for durability and high wear tolerance, making it a prime choice for putting greens, fairways, golf tees, home lawns, and high-traffic turf restoration. With dense, upright growth, this bentgrass variety helps create smooth, professional-quality green surfaces.
- ADAPTABLE TO VARIOUS CLIMATES & SOIL CONDITIONS: PC2.0 Bentgrass thrives across USDA Zones 4-10, adapting to warm and cool climates as well as sandy soils and well-drained clay soils. Ideal for homeowners, DIY putting green builders, golf course crews, groundskeepers, landscapers, and turf managers, this grass seed supports lush, fine-textured turf.
- THRIVES IN SANDY & CLAY SOILS: Unlike many grasses, Penncross Creeping Bentgrass performs exceptionally well on sandy soils and tolerates clay soils when properly drained. Use on prepared soil, putting greens, golf tees, fairways, home lawns, and high-traffic turf areas to establish vibrant green coverage that endures over time.
- LOW NUTRIENT & MOWING REQUIREMENTS: PC2.0 Creeping Bentgrass requires only 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually, helping minimize nutrient needs while supporting dense, green turf. Apply with a seed spreader, prepared soil, light irrigation, nitrogen feeding, and frequent low mowing between 3/16 and 5/16 inch for best putting green performance.
- IDEAL FOR DIY HOME PUTTING GREENS: Homeowners can create a professional-grade putting green surface with our PC2.0 Penncross Bentgrass. Its fine texture and dense growth make it a top choice for backyard putting greens, tees, fairways, and high-traffic lawn areas. For best results, sow 1-2 pounds per 1,000 square feet for even coverage.
- 🌱 Mini Clover Seeds – Non-GMO & Heirloom – Trifolium repens, a dwarf white clover with tiny leaves (1/3 to 1/2 the size of traditional clover). A low-growing, low-maintenance lawn alternative or cover crop. Perennial in Zones 3-10, annual elsewhere.
- 💧 Drought-Tolerant & Self-Sustaining – Requires less water than grass and stays lush and green year-round. Naturally fertilizes soil by fixing nitrogen from the air, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
- 🍃 No-Mow, Low-Growing Lawn Alternative – Grows only 4-6 inches tall, about half the height of traditional white clover. Ideal for eco-friendly, no-mow lawns, patch repair, and bee-friendly landscapes.
- 🛠️ Easy to Grow & Versatile – Sow 1-2 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft. for a full clover lawn, or half for mixed seeding. Thrives in varied soil types, sun or shade, and is perfect for erosion control, pastures, and ground cover.
- 🏡 Grown & Packaged in the USA – From Mountain Valley Seed Company, trusted since 1974 for high-quality heirloom seeds. Each ounce contains ~25,000 seeds, ensuring dense, uniform coverage for a healthier, greener lawn.
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.