Planting Instructions
To plant Alsike clover, broadcast or drill the seeds onto a fine, firm seedbed in early spring or late summer/early fall, at a shallow depth of 1/4 inch. Ensure the seed is properly inoculated before planting.
Preparation
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Soil Test: A soil test is recommended to determine fertility needs. Alsike clover can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including acidic (pH < 6.0), alkaline, or poorly drained soils, but performs best with a soil pH around 6.0-6.5.
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Seedbed: Prepare a fine, firm seedbed free of weeds and debris.
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Inoculation: Alsike clover seed must be treated with the proper inoculant within 12 hours of planting to ensure proper nitrogen fixation.
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Companion Crops: Alsike clover is often planted in a mix with grasses or other clovers (like red clover) to improve overall pasture quality and reduce the risk of bloat.
Planting
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Timing: Plant in early spring when the ground can be worked or in late summer/early fall, allowing at least 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost. Frost seeding in late fall/winter is also an option.
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Depth: The small seeds should be planted shallowly, no deeper than 1/4 inch. Planting too deep will dramatically reduce germination.
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Method: Seeds can be applied using a drill or broadcast method. Good seed-to-soil contact is critical for successful establishment; therefore, rolling or cultipacking the soil after broadcasting the seed is recommended.
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Seeding Rate:
- When planted alone: 8-12 lbs. per acre.
- When planted in mixtures (with grasses): 1-5 lbs. per acre.
Care
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Watering: Keep the planting area consistently moist during the germination period, which typically takes 5-10 days under good moisture conditions.
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Weed Control: Control weedy competition until the stand is well-established, as broadleaf herbicides will kill the clover.
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Fertilizer: Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizer, which can damage the clover.
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Management: For a persistent stand, use a rotational grazing system, allowing a regrowth period of about 4 weeks after grazing down to 2-4 inches.
