Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum), also known as Carnation Clover, French Clover, or Italian Clover, is a hardy and beautiful flowering legume widely used as both a cover crop and ornamental plant. Its dense clusters of crimson-red flowers add vibrant color to fields, borders, and garden beds while improving soil fertility naturally.
This fast-growing annual enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen, making it ideal for sustainable and eco-friendly gardening. In addition to its practical benefits, Crimson Clover serves as an excellent pollinator attractant, supporting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season.
Whether you’re cultivating it for soil improvement, erosion control, or its striking red blooms, Crimson Clover is a reliable, low-maintenance addition to any garden or landscape.
Features
- Brilliant crimson-red flower spikes
- Excellent natural nitrogen fixer and soil builder
- Ideal for cover cropping, erosion control, and meadows
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
- Grows quickly and thrives in cool-season conditions
- Non-GMO, open-pollinated variety
- Improves soil health and fertility naturally
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Trifolium incarnatum
- Common Name (US): Crimson Clover / Carnation Clover / Italian Clover
- Plant Type: Annual legume / cover crop
- Flower Color: Deep crimson red
- Foliage Color: Medium green
- Height: 12–24 inches (30–60 cm)
- Spread: 8–12 inches (20–30 cm)
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil
- Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
- Watering Needs: Moderate; avoid waterlogging
- Temperature Range: 50–75°F (10–24°C)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–10 (grown as annual elsewhere)
- Days to Germination: 7–14 days
- Seed Depth: 1/4 inch deep
- Plant Spacing: 3–6 inches apart
- Life Cycle: Annual
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Fertilizer Needs: Minimal; improves nitrogen naturally
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes
- Maintenance Level: Low
- Seed Viability: 2 years in cool, dry storage
Planting Guide
- When to Sow: Plant seeds in early spring or late summer to early fall.
- Seed Depth: Sow 1/4 inch deep in loose, well-drained soil.
- Soil Preparation: Till or rake soil to create a fine seedbed.
- Light Requirement: Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during germination.
- Germination Period: 7–14 days at 60–70°F.
- Growth Tips: Once established, reduce watering; plants are drought-tolerant.
- Maintenance: Mow before flowering to encourage regrowth if used as green manure.
