★ Classic Hay & Cover Crop Legume

Best Red Clover Seed: The Classic Hay Partner, Frost-Seeding Champion & Nitrogen-Fixing Cover Crop

Updated April 2026 10 Products Compared By the Old Cobblers Farm Team

Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Red Clover

by Wicked Tuff Turf — Littleton, New Hampshire
Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
"The most versatile legume in the lineup. Red Clover frost-seeds better than any other species, produces excellent mixed hay with Timothy, fixes massive nitrogen, and establishes fast at soil temps as low as 45°F. The utility player every northern farm needs."
First bloom: 60-90
Establishment
Zones 3-7
Hardiness Range
Low
Maintenance
Legume
Category
🧊

#1 Frost Seeding Species

🌾

Classic Timothy Partner

🌿

75-200 lbs Free Nitrogen

🌡️

45°F Germination

🐄

High-Protein Forage

🔄

Cover Crop Nitrogen Factory

📅

Fast Establishment

🇺🇸

Trusted by 20,000+ Growers

SpeciesRed Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Growth HabitShort-lived perennial (2-3 years). Upright, 18-30 inches tall. Taproot.
Root Depth3-5 inches taproot
EstablishmentFirst bloom: 60-90 days. First hay cut: 70-90 days. Stand life: 2-3 years.
Hardiness Zones3-7
MaintenanceLow
CategoryLegume
Available Sizes1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb

What We Love

  • #1 frost-seeding species — easiest establishment in agriculture
  • Classic Timothy partner for premium mixed hay
  • Fixes 75-200 lbs free nitrogen per acre
  • 45°F germination — earliest plantable legume
  • Fast to produce — first hay cut in 70-90 days

Worth Noting

  • Short-lived — dies after 2-3 years, must reseed
  • Can cause bloat in cattle when grazed as pure stand
Buy on Old Cobblers Farm →
Available in 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb
The Competition

Perennial Red Clover

by Outsidepride
99%/90%, Nitro-Coat
Purity / Germ
Sizes2, 40 lb
Price$199.99

Red Clover

by Hancock Seed
98%/85%, Coated/Inoculated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 50 lb
Price$149.00

Medium Red Clover

by Welter Seed
99.5%/90%, Inoculated
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$131.00

Blaze Red Clover

by Welter Seed
High Germ, Inoculated
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$155.00

Red Clover

by CZ Grain
98%/85%, Raw
Purity / Germ
Sizes1 lb
Price$18.98

Medium Red Clover

by SeedRanch
99%/90%, Nitro-Coated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 20 lb
Price$133.95

Pasture Booster

by DLF
Mix, Inoculated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5 lb
Price$24.99

Imperial Clover

by Whitetail Institute
Mix, Inoculated
Purity / Germ
Sizes4, 18 lb
Price$149.99

K31 Plus Clover Mix

by Barenbrug
Mix, Raw
Purity / Germ
Sizes40 lb
Price$79.99

Mammoth Red Clover

by Deer Creek Seed
98%/80%, Inoculated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 25 lb
Price$85.00
Feature Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Red Clover Perennial Red Clover Red Clover Medium Red Clover Blaze Red Clover Red Clover Medium Red Clover Pasture Booster Imperial Clover K31 Plus Clover Mix Mammoth Red Clover
Purity / Germ 99%/90%, Nitro-Coat 98%/85%, Coated/Inoculated 99.5%/90%, Inoculated High Germ, Inoculated 98%/85%, Raw 99%/90%, Nitro-Coated Mix, Inoculated Mix, Inoculated Mix, Raw 98%/80%, Inoculated
Sizes 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb 2, 40 lb 5, 50 lb 50 lb 50 lb 1 lb 5, 20 lb 5 lb 4, 18 lb 40 lb 5, 25 lb
Price $199.99 $149.00 $131.00 $155.00 $18.98 $133.95 $24.99 $149.99 $79.99 $85.00
Brand Old Cobblers Farm Outsidepride Hancock Seed Welter Seed Welter Seed CZ Grain SeedRanch DLF Whitetail Institute Barenbrug Deer Creek Seed

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take for the seed to germinate?

    Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days under optimal conditions with consistent moisture and temperatures between 60-75°F.

  • What is the best time of year to plant this grass seed?

    The ideal planting times are early fall (late August to mid-October) or spring (mid-April to early June) when soil temperatures are favorable for germination.

  • What do the numbers on the seed tag mean?

    The seed tag shows purity percentage (amount of pure seed), germination rate (percentage that will sprout), weed seed content, and other crop or inert matter. Higher purity and germination percentages indicate better quality seed.

  • What is the recommended seeding rate per 1,000 square feet?

    For new lawns, apply 3-4 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For overseeding existing lawns, use 2-3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

  • Is it better to use a single species or a seed mix?

    A single species like Kentucky Bluegrass provides uniformity in color and texture, while a mix offers better disease resistance and adaptability to varying conditions. Your choice depends on your priorities for appearance versus resilience.