Ways to Plant Clover

Choose Between Annual and Perennial Clovers

There are enough species of annual and perennial clovers that gardeners in the United States are sure to find one that suits the needs of their garden or home landscape. Annual clover species are propagated only by seed. Though these plants last for only one year, they will often reseed themselves at the end of their growing season. Ball, crimson and rose clovers make attractive additions to annual gardens. Perennials clovers grown from seed come back each year and also reseed new plants at the end of their growing seasons. Red and white clovers are the most popular perennial species, according to the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service.

Clover is versatile and used to add deep green color to both sunny or partially shaded sites in your landscape. While clover will provide their characteristic green foliage in sites that receive as little as four hours of bright sunlight each day, they produce more bountiful summer blossoms in locations that receive direct sunlight for the majority of the day. Look for a planting site that also offers slightly moist, but well-drained soil.

Clover seeds will germinate more successfully in sites that have been cleared of existing vegetation. Remove unwanted plants by hand or treat the area with a nonselective glyphosate herbicide two to three weeks before sowing the seeds. Cover the site with 1 inch of peat moss and rake it into the top 2 to 3 inches of soil. Clover seeds are very, very fine, so mix them with some finely ground horticultural sand to ensure more even distribution. Pour the mixture into a salt or pepper shaker and shake it over the prepared soil.

Seedlings that are 4 to 6 inches can be obtained from your local garden center and transplanted directly into your garden. Clear the selected site of unwanted plants; dig up the root systems of perennial weeds to prevent their regrowth. Organic materials can be used to improve the soil's nutrition, aeration and drainage. Top the soil with 3 inches of peat moss, 2 inches of leaf mold and 1 inch of coarse horticultural sand; incorporate the organic materials to a depth of 4 inches. Plant the clover seedlings at the same height as their nursery containers; space multiple seedlings 4 to 6 inches apart.