Crimson Clover Green Manure Seeds - 500g

Meldon Seeds - Crimson Clover Green Manure Seeds

Packet size - 500g

Meldon Seeds Crimson Clover Green Manure Seeds produce a highly effective cool-season cover crop valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability, soil-building benefits, and striking crimson blooms. As a legume, crimson clover works in partnership with beneficial soil bacteria to capture atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into plant-available nutrients, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Crimson clover establishes quickly, forms a dense ground cover that suppresses weeds, and improves soil structure and organic matter when incorporated. In addition to its soil-enhancing qualities, it is an excellent forage and a powerful attractant for pollinators and beneficial insects. This makes it a popular choice for gardens, orchards, vineyards, and sustainable farming systems.

Key Benefits

• Fixes atmospheric nitrogen and enriches soil fertility

• Improves soil structure and organic matter

• Suppresses weeds and reduces erosion

• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects

• Suitable for autumn, winter, or early spring planting

• Ideal for gardens, orchards, and field use

How to Use Crimson Clover as a Green Manure

1. When to Plant

• Fall planting: Sow 6–8 weeks before the first expected frost for overwintering.

• Spring planting: Sow as soon as soil can be worked.

• Crimson clover is cold-tolerant and performs well in cool weather.

2. Soil Preparation

• Clear the area of weeds and debris.

• Lightly cultivate or rake to create a smooth, firm seedbed.

• Crimson clover prefers well-drained soils but adapts to a wide range of conditions.

3. Seeding Rate

• Broadcast at approximately 225 g per 100 sq metres

• Lightly rake or harrow seeds into the soil ¼ inch deep, then firm the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

4. Watering

• Water after planting if rainfall is not expected.

• Keep soil moist until seedlings are established.

5. Growth & Management

• Plants form a dense cover and resume vigorous growth in early spring if overwintered.

• Crimson clover blooms in late spring, producing bright red flowers.

6. Termination & Incorporation

• For maximum nitrogen benefit, terminate plants at early bloom.

• Mow, cut, or till clover into the soil while plants are still tender.

• Allow 2–3 weeks for decomposition before planting the next crop.

Tips for Best Results

• For best nitrogen fixation, use clover-specific inoculant if planting in soil where legumes have not been grown recently.

• Avoid letting plants go to full seed if reseeding is not desired.

• Excellent when rotated before heavy-feeding crops such as corn, tomatoes, or brassicas.