Does your lawn look a little… plain? Many homeowners dream of a lush, green yard that stays healthy without tons of work. Clover is a fantastic way to boost your lawn’s health. It naturally adds nitrogen to the soil, making grass grow stronger. But here’s the tricky part: not all clover is the same!
Choosing the right type of clover for your yard can feel like a guessing game. Do you need microclover for tiny spaces, or maybe a creeping variety that spreads easily? Picking the wrong one might mean patchy growth or dealing with weeds instead of beautiful coverage. It’s frustrating when you put in the effort, but the results just aren’t there.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the most popular and effective clover types for lawns. You will learn exactly which clover fits your climate and your goals. Get ready to discover the secret to a greener, more resilient lawn.
Top Type Of Clover For Lawns Recommendations
- White clover seeds for lawn that grow best in the northern region of the US
- 7 lbs of Pennington grass seed and clover mix covers up to 1,400 sq ft
- 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
- 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.
- Erosion control: Strong roots of this seed and fall fertilizer for lawns protect soil from wind and water erosion
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade, perfect for varied lighting environments
- Easy to maintain: Prep the soil, apply the seed, and water daily
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft.
- 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 blended with existing grass. Ideal for homeowners, gardeners, landscapers, and property owners, this perennial white clover provides lush green coverage for prepared soil, existing lawns, bare patches, yards, garden paths, and ground cover areas.
- NITROGEN-FIXING ABILITY: Our mini clover seeds for lawn pull nitrogen from the air and convert it into a usable form for plants, naturally fertilizing your lawn and promoting healthier, greener grass. This makes it perfect for customers interested in eco-friendly lawn alternatives, soil improvement, reduced chemical lawn care, and low-maintenance landscaping.
- 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 cost-effective solution. Great for spring or fall overseeding, lawn renovation, bare patch repair, and seasonal ground cover projects, it helps reduce watering, mowing, reseeding, and upkeep.
- SMALL-LEAVED & LOW MOWING TOLERANCE: Our small-leaved white clover seed features very small leaves and only grows half as tall as white Dutch clover, reaching 4-6 inches. It produces stolons that allow it to spread evenly over the ground and tolerates low mowing heights, making it ideal for anyone who wants a neat, lush, drought-tolerant lawn alternative.
- SEASONAL FLOWERING: Outsidepride MiniClover produces charming white flowers for about one month during summer if it is not mowed, adding seasonal beauty and visual interest to your lawn. Each flower may attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity while creating pollinator-friendly ground cover in USDA Zones 3-10.
- 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)!
- 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.
- WHERE NOT TO USE: This weed and dandelion killer for lawns and lawn care product should not be used on Dichondra, Carpetgrass, 'Floratam' St. Augustinegrass, Creeping Bentgrass, or turfgrass where desirable clovers are present
- LAWN WEED KILLER: Scotts Weed Control for Lawns is a weed killer for grass that starts working on contact to kill even the toughest weeds down to the root
- KILLS LISTED WEEDS: This broadleaf weed killer for lawns controls over 200 listed weeds, including dandelion, clover, dollarweed, chickweed, poison ivy, henbit, oxalis, ground ivy, and purslane
- WHEN TO USE: Apply weed killer granules in the spring or early fall when broadleaf weeds are actively growing
- COVERAGE: One 14 lb. bag of Scotts Weed Control for Lawns granular weed killer covers 5,000 sq. ft.
Choosing the Right Clover for Your Lawn: A Buyer’s Guide
Adding clover to your lawn can make it greener, healthier, and easier to care for. Clover needs less water and fertilizer than regular grass. It also brings bees, which are great for your garden. But not all clover is the same! This guide helps you pick the best type for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When buying clover seed, check these important features first:
1. Clover Species (Type)
- White Clover (Trifolium repens): This is the most common choice. It stays low to the ground and spreads well. It handles foot traffic nicely.
- Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): This type grows taller. It’s great for cutting into hay but might be too tall for a neat lawn look.
- Microclover (e.g., ‘Pirouette’ or ‘Microclover’): This newer type stays very short, almost like regular grass. It needs less mowing. This is often the best choice for a traditional lawn look.
2. Seed Coating and Treatment
Many clover seeds come coated. This coating often holds starter fertilizer and protective materials. A good coating helps the tiny seeds sprout faster and survive early growing challenges.
3. Seed Purity and Germination Rate
Look at the bag label. High purity means you get mostly clover seed, not weeds. The germination rate tells you how many seeds will actually grow. Aim for a rate above 80% for the best results.
Important Materials and Companions
Clover rarely grows alone. Think about what you mix it with.
1. Grass Mix Compatibility
If you are overseeding an existing lawn, make sure the clover type works well with your current grass (like Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass). Microclover mixes best with finer grasses.
2. Nitrogen Fixation
One great material benefit of clover is nitrogen fixation. Clover pulls nitrogen from the air and puts it into the soil. This acts as a natural fertilizer for your grass, meaning you use fewer chemical products.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your clover lawn depends on your choices before and after planting.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Inoculant: Some clover seeds need an inoculant (a powder containing helpful bacteria) to help them fix nitrogen well. Check if your seed is pre-inoculated.
- Proper Soil pH: Clover likes soil that is not too acidic. Testing your soil helps you add lime if needed, which boosts growth.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Planting Too Deep: Clover seeds are tiny. If you bury them too deep when planting, they will not reach the sunlight and will die.
- Too Much Fertilizer (Early On): Heavy nitrogen fertilizer discourages the clover from starting its crucial nitrogen-fixing job.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your lawn guides your choice.
Low-Maintenance Areas:
If you want a lawn that needs very little work, choose slow-growing White Clover or Microclover. They stay green even during dry spells, reducing your watering needs.
High-Traffic Play Areas:
While clover is tough, dense, traditional grass mixes usually handle heavy running better. Use clover as an addition (about 10-20% of the mix) rather than the main component in very active play zones.
Pollinator Gardens:
If your main goal is helping bees, choose standard White Clover. It produces many flowers throughout the season. Just remember that more flowers mean you might need to mow less often.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Clover
Q: How soon after planting will I see clover sprouts?
A: If conditions are warm and moist, you should see sprouts in about 7 to 14 days.
Q: Do I need to remove my old grass before planting clover?
A: Not always. You can overseed clover into an existing lawn, especially if the grass is thin. You should mow the grass very short first.
Q: Will clover take over my entire lawn?
A: White clover spreads by runners (stolons), but if you keep it mowed, it stays manageable. Microclover spreads much less.
Q: Is clover better than grass for drought?
A: Yes. Clover has deeper roots than most common lawn grasses, helping it find water during dry times.
Q: Can I use weed killer on a clover lawn?
A: Be very careful. Most broadleaf weed killers will also kill the clover because clover is a broadleaf plant.
Q: Does clover need fertilizer?
A: Clover needs very little fertilizer because it makes its own nitrogen. It benefits more from lime if your soil is too acidic.
Q: Which clover type is best for sunny spots?
A: White clover handles full sun very well, provided it gets enough water when establishing.
Q: What is the ideal time of year to plant clover?
A: Early spring or early fall are the best times. The soil is warm enough for germination, but the air temperatures are not too hot.
Q: Will clover attract more bugs to my yard?
A: Clover naturally attracts pollinators like bees when it flowers. If you mow frequently, you reduce the flowering and the bug attraction.
Q: How often should I mow a clover lawn?
A: If you use Microclover, mow about once a week, keeping the blades high (3 inches). If you use standard White Clover, you might only need to mow every two to three weeks.