Crimson Clover - Red (Trifolium incarnatum) is a striking, spring-cover crop from The Soil Makers. Its crimson flower spikes rise on sturdy 18-inch stems and burst into bloom from late April through early May, delivering both visual appeal and practical soil benefits. This hardy legume tolerates cold temperatures and excels at fixing nitrogen, contributing 80+ pounds of nitrogen per acre to your soil while boosting organic matter and overall fertility.
Beyond fertility, Crimson Clover naturally reseeds when allowed to mature, helping establish long-term soil cover. It supports beneficial pollinators, generates substantial biomass to shield soils, and helps prevent erosion. When used in cereal grain mixtures, it adds diversity and enhances break crop performance. Cultivated to USDA Organic standards on a family-owned farm in the Mid-Atlantic, this uncoated seed is designed for reliable establishment and is most effective when paired with an inoculant to maximize nitrogen fixation.
Planting and use: Enter Crimson Clover in late summer, early fall, or spring. Sow at a shallow depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch with a rate of 15–25 pounds per acre for even coverage. Since the seed is uncoated, pairing with a compatible inoculant at planting maximizes nitrogen fixation. Allow the crop to grow through bloom for optimum biomass, then mow or incorporate as green manure as part of a sustainable rotation.
The Soil Makers brings a soil-first mindset to seed production, backed by family-farm stewardship in the Mid-Atlantic. This Crimson Clover seed is designed for home gardens, small-scale farms, and landscape projects where soil health and pollinator support are priorities—delivering meaningful fertility gains without synthetic inputs.