What it is
Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum) is in the Fabaceae (Legume) family. A gorgeous nitrogen-fixing cover for fall — crimson blooms feed bees, then it tills in to feed the soil.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it moderate, and give it average soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about Broadcast apart. Expect roughly Fall sow. Cool-season annual.
How it's used
Crimson Clover is used: cover crop; cut before seed.
🔎 How to identify it
- Three-leaflet clover leaves
- Deep crimson flower spikes
- Soft hairy stems
Edibility
PartsForage (not a table crop)
UsesCover crop; cut before seed
CautionTerminate before it sets seed to avoid volunteers.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.