Clovers & Legumes ·Growing Guide
Berseem Clover
Trifolium alexandrinum
Berseem CloverClovers & LegumesVery Low Maintenance
The self-terminating cover crop. Berseem Clover fixes 75-200 lbs of nitrogen per acre, produces high-protein forage, and then reliably winter-kills in northern climates without any effort or herbicide required. This clean winter-kill is its most valuable trait for cover crop rotations—it builds soil nitrogen all summer and then dies co...
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About Berseem Clover
Berseem Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) originated in Egypt (also called Egyptian Clover) and has been cultivated along the Nile for thousands of years. Its adaptation to warm conditions and reliable cold-sensitivity make it uniquely valuable in northern cover crop programs.
The winter-kill feature: Berseem reliably dies at approximately 20°F. In zones 4-6, this means it winter-kills completely every year without requiring mechanical or chemical termination. For cover crop rotations, this is ideal—plant in spring, harvest nitrogen fixation all summer, and find clean bare ground ready for planting the following spring.
Berseem also provides excellent forage quality (20-28% crude protein, comparable to alfalfa) and can be cut 3-4 times in a season in long-growing-season areas. It does not cause bloat in livestock—a significant advantage over Red Clover and Ladino in grazing situations.
The winter-kill feature: Berseem reliably dies at approximately 20°F. In zones 4-6, this means it winter-kills completely every year without requiring mechanical or chemical termination. For cover crop rotations, this is ideal—plant in spring, harvest nitrogen fixation all summer, and find clean bare ground ready for planting the following spring.
Berseem also provides excellent forage quality (20-28% crude protein, comparable to alfalfa) and can be cut 3-4 times in a season in long-growing-season areas. It does not cause bloat in livestock—a significant advantage over Red Clover and Ladino in grazing situations.
Fit
Where It Shines
Best for
- Summer cover crop in northern zones that winter-kills cleanly
- Nitrogen building before spring-planted crops
- Multi-cut forage in warm climates
- Non-bloating legume for livestock grazing
- Cover crop rotations where clean spring seedbed is needed
- Pollinator habitat during growing season
- Interseeding with summer grasses or warm-season crops
Not ideal for
- Permanent pastures (annual—no persistence)
- Year-round cover (winter-kills in zones 6 and colder)
- Fall planting in northern zones (won't survive winter)
- Deep shade
- Situations requiring perennial nitrogen fixation
- Very cold climates as winter annual (dies before providing significant winter cover)
From Seed to Stand
Establishment & Growth
Germination
Days 5-7: First seedlings emerge. Days 7-10: Trifoliate leaves appear. Fast-establishing annual clover. Upright growth begins immediately.
Growth Habit
Annual. Upright, multi-stemmed, 18-30 inches tall. Does not spread via stolons. Winter-kills at approximately 20°F—reliably dies in northern winters without requiring termination.
Establishment Timeline
First emergence: 5-7 days. First cutting: 60-75 days. Multiple cuttings possible in long-season areas. Winter-kills at ~20°F in northern zones.
Rates & Care
Seeding & Maintenance
| Seeding rate (new) | 15-20 lbs per acre; 0.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Overseeding rate | 10-15 lbs per acre |
| Soil temp to germinate | 50°F |
| Mowing height | Not typically mowed; cut for forage at 12-18 inches if desired |
| Minimum mow height | 4 inches (cutting lower reduces regrowth vigor) |
| First mow | When plants reach 12-18 inches if cutting for forage |
| Soil pH | 6.0-7.5 (tolerates slightly alkaline conditions) |
| Soil preference | Adaptable. Performs on a range of soil types including clay. Tolerates moderate salinity—useful for coastal or irrigated land. |
| Nitrogen needs | None required—fixes 75-200 lbs N per acre during growing season |
Conditions
Tolerances
SunFull sun (6-8+ hours)
ShadePoor
DroughtModerate (better than most annual clovers)
TrafficLow
ColdPoor (winter-kills reliably in zones 6 and colder—this is often a feature, not a bug)
HeatGood (performs well in warm conditions)
Hardiness Zones7-10 (as winter annual); Zones 4-6 (as summer annual that winter-kills cleanly)
Step by Step
How to Sow
1
Step 1: Prep
Inoculate with Rhizobium; plant after last frost
2
Step 2: Fertilize
No specific fertilizer requirement
3
Step 3: Sow
Broadcast or drill at 15-20 lbs per acre
4
Step 4: Contact
Plant 1/4 to 1/2" deep; firm seedbed
5
Step 5: Water
Keep moist during germination
6
Step 6: Mow/Establish
First cut at 12-18"; let winter-kill naturally
Feeding & Timing
Fertilizing & Season
Fertilizer Recommendation
No nitrogen needed. Apply phosphorus and potassium based on soil test. Berseem has moderate P and K requirements. Recommended: Wicked Growth P-K formula if soil test indicates deficiency.
Find the right Wicked fertilizer →Seasonal Planting
In zones 4-6: Plant May-June as summer annual. Grows until first hard freeze (approximately 20°F), then winter-kills. In zones 7-10: Plant September-October as winter annual for cool-season growth. The spring planting window in northern zones is the most common use—it captures the full warm season for nitrogen fixation.
In Context
How It Compares
Berseem vs. Red Clover: Berseem winter-kills cleanly (no volunteer management needed); Red Clover persists 2-3 years. Berseem does not cause bloat; Red Clover can. Red Clover produces more total biomass over its lifespan. Berseem vs. Crimson Clover: Both are annual clovers, but Berseem is non-bloating, more heat-tolerant, and winter-kills more reliably in northern zones. Berseem vs. White Clover: Completely different use cases—Berseem is a temporary nitrogen builder; White Clover is a permanent lawn/pasture legume.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Berseem clover and where does it come from?
Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), also called Egyptian clover, is a fast-growing annual clover originally cultivated in the Nile Delta. It is the most widely grown clover globally, valued for rapid establishment, high forage yield, and excellent nitrogen fixation. Unlike red and white clover, Berseem does not cause bloat in livestock, making it one of the safest legumes for cattle grazing. It produces multiple cuttings per season when harvested at the proper stage.
How fast does Berseem clover grow?
Berseem clover is one of the fastest-establishing clovers available. It germinates in 5-7 days and produces harvestable biomass within 45-60 days of planting. Under ideal conditions, Berseem can produce 3-5 cuttings per season with 4-6 week intervals between harvests, yielding 3-6 tons of dry matter per acre annually. This rapid growth makes it an excellent emergency forage crop when traditional hay supplies are short.
Is Berseem clover an annual or perennial?
Berseem clover is a true annual that completes its lifecycle in one growing season and does not overwinter in zones 6 and colder. It winter-kills at temperatures below 15-20°F. In zones 7-9, Berseem can be fall-planted and grown through winter as a cool-season annual. In northern zones (3-6), plant in spring after last frost for summer production. Berseem does not self-reseed as reliably as Balansa or crimson clover.
Can Berseem clover cause bloat in cattle?
No—Berseem clover is one of the few legumes that does not cause bloat in ruminant livestock. This is due to its lower foam-producing saponin content compared to white, red, and Ladino clover. Berseem can be safely grazed as a pure stand without the bloat risk that requires mixing other clovers with grasses. This non-bloating characteristic makes it particularly valuable for intensive rotational grazing systems.
What is the seeding rate for Berseem clover?
Seed Berseem clover at 15-20 lbs per acre for pure stands, or 8-12 lbs per acre in mixes with grasses or other cover crops. For small areas, use approximately 0.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Berseem has larger seed than most clovers, so it tolerates slightly deeper planting—0.25-0.5 inches is ideal. Inoculate with the appropriate Rhizobium inoculant for maximum nitrogen fixation.
How much nitrogen does Berseem clover fix?
Berseem clover fixes 100-200 lbs of nitrogen per acre in a single growing season, making it one of the highest nitrogen-producing annual cover crops available. Its rapid biomass production means large quantities of nitrogen-rich organic matter are available for soil incorporation. When terminated and incorporated before planting a subsequent crop, Berseem can supply 40-60% of the following crop's nitrogen needs.
What is the best climate for Berseem clover?
Berseem clover thrives in mild, Mediterranean-type climates but adapts to a range of conditions. It grows best at temperatures between 60-80°F and does not tolerate extended heat above 95°F or cold below 15°F. In USDA zones 3-6, use Berseem as a spring/summer annual planted after last frost. In zones 7-9, plant in fall for winter/spring production. Berseem tolerates a wide soil pH range (5.5-8.0) and performs well on clay, loam, and even slightly saline soils.
