Every aspect of this plant supports its reputation for excellent forage quality. Mature stems are soft, hollow and have thin structural plant cell walls, leading it to be more digestible than red clover or alfalfa. Some common forage tests boast CP 16-21% and IVDMD 63-78%. Not to mention, studies have show persian clover to be more palatable than rape, alfalfa, fescue or perennial ryegrass. High productivity during March- April, provides excellent regrowth potential following grazing or the ability to support two spring hay cuttings. Given the right circumstances, one could expect persian clover to naturally reseed and be redistributed by wind/water via its very mobile, light weight, seed pods. Spring flowers are known to also attract flower flies, which larva are a leading predator of aphids.
When is the right time to plant? Compare the germination temperature listed below to your soil temperature. Read this article for more info: When Can I Start Planting?
| Basic Info | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maturity (Days) | Seeds/lb | C/N at Maturity | Growth Habit | Root Type/Depth | Cold Kill (F) | Dry Matter Potential(Tons/acre) |
| 75-100 | 140000 | Low | Prostrate | Shallow Taproot | 20 | 1 - 2 |
| Use and Characteristics | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N Fix Potential | Lasting Residue | Palatability | Hay Harvest | Regrowth | Deep Compaction | Surface Compaction | Weed Suppression | Crimp Kill |
| 30-60 | Fair | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent | Fair | Good | Very Good | Difficult |
| Planting | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant Depth | Min Germ Temp(F) | Drilled Seed Rate (lbs/acre) | Broadcast Seed Rate (lb/acre) |
| 1/5 - 1/4" | 40 | 6-8 | 8-10 |
| Tolerance | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | Drought | Shade | Wet Soil | Low Fertility | Low pH Soil | High pH Salinity | High pH Calcareous |
| Good | Very Good | Good | Excellent | Good | Good | Fair | Fair |