What is micro clover and how do you grow it?
What is Micro Clover? Micro Clover is a dwarf, white clover variety that grows close to the ground and doesn’t have a clumping growth pattern, unlike common clover varieties found in lawns. This legume’s leaves are also noticeably smaller, with common clover being about three times larger. Legumes like micro clover can generate their own nitrogen.
What is the difference between Dutch clover and microclover?
Regular white Dutch clover and Microclover are essentially the same plant. They’re both Trifolium repens and have the same functioning parts. They both produce small white flowers, have three leaves (unless you’re lucky enough to find one with four), and can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and share it with the plants around them.
What is miniclover® Clover?
Outside Pride introduced its variety, Miniclover® , in 2013. An uncoated seed is probably fine where clover (of any size) has been planted before. It is sold under several names, including Microclover®, Miniclover®, Microgreen Microclover, and Micro Clover.
What are the pros & cons of a micro Clover Lawn?
In this article, we’ll weigh up the pros & cons of A micro clover lawn against each other and help you on your way to setting up your own lawn. Micro clover is highly drought tolerant. It’s estimated that micro clover requires up to 25% less watering for them to stay green.
See more
Will micro Clover take over grass?
Microclover grows well with others Microclover is less aggressive and grows lower to the ground, so it'll still smother weeds without interfering with turfgrass growth. It's an excellent addition to tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass lawns.
What is the difference between micro clover and mini clover?
A: MiniClover (Trifolium repens) is rebadged common white clover - it's listed on the analysis tag. MicroClover (Trifolium repens L. var. Pirouette) is a cultivar of white clover that's the smallest in the world and is patented.
Does micro clover come back every year?
Microclover care is not much different from regular lawn care. Like grass, it will go dormant in the winter and grow back in the spring.
How tall does micro clover get?
Miniclover is a perennial, white clover which only grows to approximately 4 - 6 inches tall after it is mowed a few times. Mix with current lawn as a natural fertilizer as clover fixes nitrogen from the air. Miniclover or this micro type clover is a trifolium repens seed used as a lawn alternative or ground cover.
Does Microclover stay green in winter?
Micro Clover Tolerates Regular Mowing It is relatively indifferent to dog wastes, unlike grass. It stays green in winter. Micro clover tolerates drought better than grass and, being deep-rooted, it can help control erosion.
What happens to micro clover in the winter?
It dies back in the winter. Clover also dies back in the winter and needs to grow back from the roots in the spring. So there will be a period of time where there is no ground cover.
Does micro Clover turn brown in winter?
Micro-clover: Produces about 90% fewer blooms than Dutch white clover. Turns brown in winter due to dormancy period. Seeds at a rate of about 1lb to 300-600 square feet.
Will micro clover choke out grass?
The truth is that clover won't typically crowd out grass, and in fact it can offer certain benefits as part of a well-maintained lawn. Clover adds Nitrogen to the soil, and effectively creates its own fertilizer, meaning that it can help your lawn stay healthier.
Does Microclover reseed itself?
It is not suitable for heavy foot traffic and being a short-lived perennial in pure-clover lawns, it may require reseeding every two to three years. In mixed-lawns, it may reseed itself.
How much does micro clover cost?
Our Price: $34.95 Microclover feeds the companion grasses with Nitrogen making them look great all year long.
Does Microclover need fertilizer?
One benefit to a Microclover lawn, is that you don't have to fertilize it. However, if you prefer to have more grass than Clover, we recommend fertilizing in the Spring and Fall to deter the Clover from becoming too well established.
Does Microclover go dormant?
Microclover Maintenance Avoid the use of herbicides because they will damage or kill Microclover. Microclover will stay green from spring through fall, but in winter, Microclover will go dormant and turn brown.
What is the best type of clover?
There are two main groups of clover: perennial and annual. Perennial clover is the more popular option since annual clover dies out more quickly. With perennial clover, you will need to reseed every two to three years. Annual clover will need to be reseeded every year.
How long does micro clover take to establish?
Germination in 7-14 days under optimal temperature and moisture conditions.
Will micro clover choke out weeds?
BENEFITS OF A CLOVER LAWN Clover fixes nitrogen from the air and releases it to the soil for other plants to use. Clover stays green for a longer season than grass. Clover is very persistent with an aggressive root structure, choking out most weeds.
Does micro clover need mowing?
Mowing microclover is important because it encourages the plants to form their characteristic tight, miniature habit. Once you achieve the size and look you're going for, you can reduce mowing to as little as once per month—or mow weekly for tighter, lower growth and to control blossoming.
What is micro clover?
Micro clover (sometimes spelled as microclover) is a small variety of white clover well worth consideration for spring lawn renovation. Bred for low height and small leaves, it can be used as a standalone ground cover or as 2% - 5% of a lawn mix.
Why is micro clover used in lawns?
Micro clover is popular among the organic lawn care crowd because it’s a self-perpetuating source of nitrogen to lawn grasses —a sort of free lunch after the initial planting. A recent fact sheet from Penn State University estimates that micro clover can reduce nitrogen applications by 1 to 2 pounds per 1000 square feet annually. In fact, grass clippings, combined with micro clover, may supply all the nitrogen that’s needed. Annual soil tests will tell how well nitrogen needs are being met.
How old should clover seed be to use?
Coated seed should be less than six months old for the coating to be effective. (Don’t store it for a year and expect to get the benefits!)
What is white clover used for?
When used in a lawn mix, it not only supplies continuous nitrogen but helps suppress weeds. Standard-size white clover (Trifolium repens) has been used with lawn seed for a very long time, but it sometimes begs the patience of lawn keepers.*. Standard white clover can overcome grass species and crowd them out.
Where is Microclover sold?
In addition to Outside Pride, several other companies sell the seed, including Pro Time Lawn Seed, Portland, OR, Hancock Seed of Dade City, FL and Good Nature Organic Lawn Care, Cleveland, OH.
Does micro clover need to be mowed?
Micro Clover Tolerates Regular Mowing. Diminutive micro clover, by contrast, is shorter than most turfgrass species. It tolerates regular mowing and when a lawn is consistently mowed to 3", micro clover produces few or no flowers.
When was Microclover invented?
Note: Microclover ® (Trifolium repens var. pirouette) was initially developed in Denmark by DLF Trifolium and introduced in the US around 2005.
What is Microclover?
Microclover is a clover plant, which means it belongs to the genus of plants called Trifolium. Like all other clovers, microclover is a legume. This means it fixes nitrogen, taking nitrogen from the air, and, with the assistance of bacteria in root nodules, converts it into a form that is usable by plants.
How to grow micro clover grass?
The secret to growing a microclover lawn is that you mix the clover and the grass rather than having all grass or all clo ver. This gives you the look and feel of grass without a need to use much fertilizer. The grass thrives, thanks to the nitrogen from the clover. A typical mix used for a microclover lawn is five to ten percent clover seed by weight.
When does microclover grass grow back?
Like grass, it will go dormant in the winter and grow back in the spring. It can tolerate some heat and drought, but should be watered during extreme heat and dryness. A microclover-grass lawn should be mowed to about 3 to 3.5 inches (8 to 9 cm.) and no shorter. Be aware that microclover will produce flowers in the spring and summer.
Does white clover kill grass?
Eventually, though, broadleaf herbicides used to kill weeds in lawns ended up killing white clover. Another downside to this type of clover is that it tends to form clumps in a lawn.
When do microclovers produce flowers?
Be aware that microclover will produce flowers in the spring and summer. If you don’t like the look of it, a mowing will remove the flowers. As a bonus, though, the flowers will attract bees to your lawn, nature’s pollinators.
Is microclover a plant?
Microclover ( Trifolium repens var. Pirouette) is a plant, and as the name describes, it is a type of small clover. Compared to white clover, a common part of lawns in the past, microclover has smaller leaves, grows lower to the ground, and doesn’t grow in clumps. It is becoming a more common addition to lawns and gardens, and after learning a little more microclover information, you may want it in your yard too.
Does microclover grow in clumps?
Microclover, on the other hand, mixes better with grass seed, has a lower growth habit, and doesn’t grow in clumps. Enriching the soil without the need for fertilizer is a major reason to grow a microclover lawn.
Why Does My Lawn Have Clover?
Traditional clover – otherwise known as White Clover or Dutch clover – in your lawn could be a signal that your grass is starving.
What is Micro Clover?
Micro clover is a smaller variety of White Clover. It has tiny leaves and fewer white flowers. Being smaller, micro clover grows lower to the ground and does not have the clumping tendency of its larger relative.
What Types of Grasses Blend well with Micro Clover in a Lawn?
If you live in a more northern region, then your lawn is most likely Kentucky Bluegrass. This kind of grass is perfect for including micro clover.
Why seed micro clover in grass?
But another great reason to seed micro clover into your grass is to make your existing lawn healthier. The nitrogen micro clover produces is a huge benefit for your turf.
What happens when micro clover dies?
In some zones, the lush green foliage goes dormant and turns brown in the winter. When this top growth dies, it can leave bare spots in your lawn.
Do you need to sow micro clover seeds?
Micro clover seeds are extra fine in texture. You will need to sow 25% more of these seeds compared to grass seed into an existing lawn. Some of the delicate seeds will get caught in the grass blades and never make it to the ground. Try to plant your seed before a gentle rain.
Is nitrogen micro clover good for turf?
The nitrogen micro clover produces is a huge benefit for your turf. Also, the hearty clover keeps other weeds from creeping in.
What is a micro clover?
Micro clover ( trifolium repens var. ‘pipolina’ or ‘pirouette’) is a miniature version of the Dutch white clover once common in household lawns before pesticides targeted broadleaf plants . Its tiny leaves are about one third the size of traditional clover, and it doesn’t clump together, making it look less like a weed and more like ...
How to grow micro clover?
If you plan to seed micro clover into an existing lawn, be sure to mow close to the soil surface and aerate first. This will introduce air, water, and nutrients into the soil and give your seed a better chance of taking hold. Because clover seed is so fine, it passes between blades of grass quite effectively, but sow 25% more seed than you would a bare lawn to account for those that don’t penetrate to the soil level. Seed with a thin coating of soil and sand to improve germination rates, rake lightly, and press. The sowing rate for an existing lawn is 1.5 pounds for 10,000 square feet.
Why add microclover to lawn?
Adding microclover to lawns helps control weeds because it helps fill in gaps that often exist in conventional lawn blends. The nitrogen-fixing properties of clovers build nutrients in the soil and feed other grasses in the blend, leading to a thick, dense cover.
Where is micro clover grown?
After a decade gracing European lawns, micro clover has arrived in North America as the next big thing in lawn alternatives. Originally produced in the Netherlands and Denmark for use in golf courses, micro clover offers homeowners a lush option in low maintenance landscaping.
How much sun does a microclover need?
Microclover needs 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day. While most plants appreciate some shade in the heat of summer, too much shade will cause microclover lawns to struggle. Check the amount of sunlight your area receives before planting using a sunlight calculator.
Why is it important to mow microclover?
Mowing microclover is important because it encourages the plants to form their characteristic tight, miniature habit. Once you achieve the size and look you’re going for, you can reduce mowing to as little as once per month—or mow weekly for tighter, lower growth and to control blossoming.
How many acres does Shannon live on?
The blog editor at Eartheasy.com, Shannon lives on six acres of land with her husband, daughters, and backyard poultry flock.
How many leaves does a Trifolium repens have?
They’re both Trifolium repens and have the same functioning parts. They both produce small white flowers, have three leaves (unless you’re lucky enough to find one with four), and can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and share it with the plants around them. The main difference is the leaf size.
Is Dutch clover the same as microclover?
Regular white Dutch clover and Microclover are essentially the same plant. They’re both Trifolium repens and have the same functioning parts. They both produce small white flowers, have three leaves (unless you’re lucky enough to find one with four), and can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and share it with the plants around them. The main difference is the leaf size. Where regular clover leaves can be as big as an adult fingernail or larger, Microclover leaves could be compared to the fingernails of a newborn.
Can you mix micro clover with grass?
For folks with reservations about mixing clover into their grass lawn, Microclover is more acceptable visually. Also, since Microclover tolerates lower mowing heights than the regular type, it can be incorporated into almost any existing lawncare practice.
Is clover new to the garden?
There’s been a lot of talk lately in the gardening world about clover. While clover is certainly nothing new, the buzz has been focused on the latest varieties of white clover that have been bred for smaller and smaller leaf sizes. Microclover is one such variety developed by the DLF seed company. Last year it was one of ...
Who makes microclover seeds?
Microclover is one such variety developed by the DLF seed company. Last year it was one of the most popular products at Nature’s Seed which, unfortunately, led to us selling out of this product early.
Does microclover revert back to regular size?
Some customers have reported their Microclover reverting back to regular size after a few seasons. It’s hard to say if this is an issue with management style, cross-pollination with regular clover, or something else, but be aware that it can happen.
Is microclover seed expensive?
First, Microclover seed is expensive. Think of it like buying a dog from a shelter versus buying a designer toy dog from a breeder. They’re both dogs, but you’re going to pay a lot more for the cute miniature version that’s been specially bred.
How to get rid of chafer beetles in lawn?
Eliminate the lawn altogether, and plant thickly with micro clover seeds. Adult chafer beetles are not attracted to legumes and will go elsewhere to lay their eggs. When grass is 5-8cm (2-3") high, cut for the first time. Trim lightly and gradually lower blades to an ideal cutting height of 25mm (1"). Sow micro clover seeds between the period two ...
Why is micro clover seed pelleted?
This seed is pelleted for easier distribution — the seeds can be seen more easily on the soil. FOR US CUSTOMERS: Please see Micro Clover Seed Raw.
Why is clover used in weed control?
Because clover grows so densely, it crowds out weeds, and prevents weed seeds from becoming established. Contrary to what its name implies, Micro Clover is not simply a tiny version of standard clover.
How many stars does micro clover seed pilted have?
Micro Clover Seed Pelleted has a rating of 4.7 stars based on 88 reviews.
What zone is clover hardy?
Season & Zone. Exposure: Full sun to partial shade. Zone: Micro Clover is hardy to Zone 3.
Can micro clover be mowed?
When micro clover is mowed, its leaves grow tiny and numerous, with fewer flowers than conventional clovers. It can be mowed shorter than typical lawn grasses, and it's tough enough for children and pets to play on. Studies show that it also becomes established faster than grass seeds.
Does micro clover help with lawns?
Trifolium repens var. Pipolina. More and more home owners are seeing the advantages of replacing lawn areas by incorporating micro clover seed. As a legume, micro clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen in nodes along its roots. This directly benefits grasses by fertilizing the soil naturally. Healthier grasses maintain a richer colour for longer in the season, and require less water and no further fertilizer whatsoever. Because clover grows so densely, it crowds out weeds, and prevents weed seeds from becoming established.
