Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Red Clover grown for seed in Western Canada is split into two distinct types usually referred to as single-cuts and double-cuts.  The mostly commonly grown type is single cut red clover.  Single-cut red clovers produce spring growth and flowers later than double-cut. They produce a heavier first cut of forage, but aftermath recovery is very slow.  Double-cut red clovers grow faster in the spring than single-cuts. Their relatively quicker recovery and earlier flowering means that the first cut is lighter and can be cut earlier than the single-cuts.

Double-cut red clovers can be further split into diploid and tetraploid types. Tetraploids, like the diploids from which they originated, may be of the early flowering double-cut, or late flowering single-cut types. They often flower later, than corresponding diploids and usually have coarser stems, larger leaves, larger flowers and slightly larger seed. In some areas forage yields are also higher.  With respect to seed production single cut and diploids are generally higher yielding than tetraploids and therefore often carry a price premium.

Contract Quality:      The quality specs of the contract can influence field selection in terms of weed issues.  Some weed issues to consider are Canada thistle, catchfly, cleavers, volunteer canola and the presence of other clovers.   

Seeding:                    Seed companion crop at half the normal rate and reduce nitrogen levels.  Cereals and flax work well as companion crops.  When selecting a cereal variety, choose one that stands well and is early maturing.  Cover crop lodging is a concern in getting a strong establishment.

Seeding depth:         ½ inch (1 cm) or less, broadcast seeding followed by harrow packers is one option to ensure shallow seeding.

Seeding rate:            3 to 5 lb/acre (1.5 to 2.25 kg/acre), use a higher seeding rate when a companion crop is used.

Fertilizer:                    Red clover seed should be inoculated to ensure maximum nitrogen fixation.  Other nutrient levels are best addressed in the year of seeding.  Adequate Phosphorus levels will improve nitrogen fixation.

Pollination:                Honey bees are required to maximize seed yield potential for red clover.  The general recommendation is 2 strong colonies per acre.

Weed Control:          Consult our field staff for herbicide options.

Harvest:                     Harvest typically occurs late September and into October.  The crop can either be desiccated and straight combined or swathed when 75 – 80% of the seed heads are mature.