Red Clover

Red clover is a hardy and multipurpose perennial herbaceous plant with round, rosy-pink flower heads that are loved by pollinators. This legume fixes nitrogen in the soil, making it an excellent cover crop, green manure, or living mulch. Edible flowers and tender young leaves can be used in teas and salads. Red clover is also valued in herbal medicine for its phytoestrogen content and traditional use as a blood purifier and tonic.

Where Can You Grow Red Clover?
Red clover is well adapted to Zones 3–9 and grows in a range of soils, preferring full sun and moderate moisture. It is suitable for garden borders, pastures, orchards, and permaculture systems.

History and Historical Uses
Used in Europe and North America for centuries, red clover has long been cultivated as a soil-building cover crop, livestock forage, and medicinal herb. In traditional herbalism, it has been used for its anti-inflammatory and hormonal-balancing properties, particularly in teas and tinctures.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8–9: Sow fall or early spring; expect perennial growth and reseeding.
Zones 5–7: Direct sow in spring or fall; hardy and productive.
Zones 3–4: Spring sowing recommended; may winter-kill in exposed areas but self-seeds readily.

How to Grow and Harvest Red Clover
Planting: Sow seeds 0.5cm (0.25in) deep and 2.5cm (1in) apart in rows.
Watering: Moderate moisture; drought tolerant once established.
Harvesting: Harvest flower heads just before full bloom for teas and drying.
Maintenance: Mow or cut back to encourage regrowth and prevent seed drop if not saving.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Select Flower Heads: Allow some to mature and dry on the plant.
Collect Seeds: Remove and thresh dried flower heads.
Dry and Store: Keep cool and dry; seeds remain viable for 3–5 years.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)