How to Grow Red Clover 'Arlington'
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Red Clover 'Arlington'
Trifolium pratense 'Arlington'
herbRed Clover 'Arlington' is a perennial legume cultivar valued for its high-quality forage production and nitrogen-fixing capabilities. This variety is particularly popular in agricultural and pasture settings for its improved yield and disease resistance compared to standard red clover. It produces distinctive purple-red flower heads and dense green foliage suitable for hay, pasture, and cover cropping.
When should you plant Red Clover 'Arlington' in your zone?
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Example Red Clover 'Arlington' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Clover 'Arlington'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Red Clover 'Arlington'
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Clover 'Arlington' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in zones 3-7
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Get my Red Clover 'Arlington' timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge with the distinctive clover leaf shape beginning to form. First true trifoliate (three-part) leaves appear within 7-10 days.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure adequate light. Thin seedlings if crowded. No fertilizer needed yet.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops multiple branches and dense foliage with characteristic trifoliate leaves. Stems elongate and the root system deepens. Plant builds biomass and establishes nitrogen-fixing nodules on roots.
Maintain consistent moisture. Monitor for pests and diseases. No nitrogen fertilization needed; the nodulating bacteria will handle nitrogen fixation. Allow adequate space for air circulation.
Pre-Flowering/Budding
2-4 weeksFlower buds begin to form at stem tips, appearing as tight clusters. Plant continues to thicken and height increases. Foliage remains dense and vibrant green.
Ensure adequate light and nutrient availability. Water consistently if rainfall is sparse. Monitor for pests like spider mites and grasshoppers.
Flowering
3-6 weeksDistinctive rounded flower heads appear in purple-red color, attracting pollinators. Flowers are composed of small individual florets clustered together. Plant reaches maximum height (18-36 inches depending on conditions).
Avoid cutting or heavy grazing during early flowering to allow seed set. Ideal time for first harvest if used as forage. Provide water during extended dry periods.
Seed Development & Senescence
4-6 weeks (variable)Flowers fade to brown as seeds develop inside the flower head. Plant may decline in vigor in hot weather or continue growth into fall depending on climate.
Allow flowering to complete for seed production if desired. In forage production, harvest before this stage. For perennial establishment, avoid cutting after late summer.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor adults in spring; use resistant varieties like 'Arlington'; cultural control through crop rotation; biological control with parasitoid wasps
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Harvest before full seed maturity; destroy infested seed heads; use resistant cultivars; crop rotation
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Spray water to dislodge; use horticultural oils; encourage natural predators; ensure adequate moisture
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Allow natural predation; manage borders to reduce habitat; insecticides only in severe infestations
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Plant disease-resistant varieties like 'Arlington'; avoid continuous clover monoculture; improve drainage; crop rotation
Uses
Culinary Herb & Food Flavoring
CulinaryRed clover flowers and young leaves are edible and can be added to salads, teas, or used as a garnish. The flowers have a slightly sweet, hay-like flavor and are traditionally used in herbal teas. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalRed clover has been used in traditional medicine for respiratory health, menopausal support, and general wellness. Modern herbalists use it in infusions and tinctures, though clinical evidence varies. [source]
Livestock Forage & Feed
Household'Arlington' red clover is extensively used as a high-protein forage crop for cattle, sheep, and other livestock. Its superior yield and palatability make it a valuable component of pasture and hay systems. [source]
Cover Crop & Soil Amendment
HouseholdAs a nitrogen-fixing legume, red clover enriches soil with bioavailable nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers in sustainable and organic farming systems. It improves soil structure and prevents erosion. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeRed clover flowers attract and support honeybees, bumblebees, and other native pollinators. It provides nectar and pollen when other forage is scarce, making it valuable for pollinator conservation. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For forage: Harvest at early bloom stage (when 25-50% of flowers are open) for maximum nutritional value and palatability. Cut 2-3 inches above ground. For seed: Allow full flowering and seed maturation; harvest when seed heads turn brown but before shattering occurs, typically 60-80 days after flowering begins. Use combine harvester or swath and thresh. Avoid harvesting in wet conditions. For 'Arlington' cultivar, expect 2-3 cuttings per season in good conditions, with first harvest typically in the year after establishment.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red clover 'Arlington' was developed as an improved cultivar specifically for superior forage yield and disease resistance, making it a preferred choice for commercial farming compared to older red clover varieties.
- 🌱 Like all true clovers, red clover's trifoliate (three-part) leaf is the source of its genus name Trifolium, derived from Latin 'tri' (three) and 'folium' (leaf).
- 🌱 Red clover is a biennial or short-lived perennial that can live 2-4 years, often used in rotation systems where it builds soil fertility before other crops are planted in the enriched soil.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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