How to Grow Red Clover 'Medium'
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Red Clover 'Medium'
Trifolium pratense 'Medium'
herbRed Clover 'Medium' is a perennial legume with distinctive deep pink to reddish flower heads and trifoliate leaves. This variety is intermediate in maturity between early and late types, making it versatile for hay production, pasture, and cover cropping. It enriches soil through nitrogen fixation and provides nutritional and medicinal benefits.
When should you plant Red Clover 'Medium' in your zone?
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Example Red Clover 'Medium' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Clover 'Medium'
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 'Medium'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Clover 'Medium' 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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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall sprouts with cotyledons and first true leaves emerge. Delicate appearance with thin stems.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from heavy foot traffic. Thin seedlings if overcrowded.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops deep root system and multiple stems with characteristic trifoliate leaves. Low rosette growth before bolting.
Water regularly during dry spells. Allow root system to develop before heavy grazing or cutting. Light nitrogen is not needed due to nitrogen fixation.
Flowering
4-6 weeksDense, rounded flower heads of reddish-pink flowers appear on tall stems. Peak protein and nutrient content.
Harvest for hay at early bloom stage for best quality. Bees are attracted; avoid pesticides. Flowering typically occurs in early to mid-summer.
Seed Development
3-4 weeksFlowers transition to seed pods; foliage remains green but energy focuses on seed production.
Allow some plants to go to seed for self-seeding or seed collection. Secondary growth can occur after seed set.
Dormancy/Regrowth
Varies by climateIn autumn and winter, growth slows or stops. Plant overwinters and regrows in spring for multiple harvests per season.
No special care needed in dormancy. Spring growth begins when temperatures warm. Can cut or graze once regrowth is 8-10 inches tall.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Rotate crops; early cutting disrupts lifecycle; resistant varieties; encourage natural predators
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Cutting at boot stage; timely harvest; crop rotation; insecticidal soap as last resort
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Strong water spray; beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings; neem oil for severe infestations
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Adequate irrigation; encourage humidity; predatory mites; miticide if severe
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Good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; sulfur dust or fungicides in severe cases
Uses
Herbal tea and food
CulinaryRed clover flowers and leaves can be dried and brewed into a mild, slightly sweet tea. Used in herbal blends and as a nutritional food supplement. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalTraditionally used in herbal medicine to support respiratory health, skin conditions, and hormonal balance. Contains isoflavones studied for various health applications. [source]
Livestock forage and hay
HouseholdExcellent nutritious forage for cattle, sheep, horses, and goats. High in protein and digestible fiber, making it valuable for hay production and pasture. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeFlowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Provides abundant nectar and pollen throughout the flowering season. [source]
Cover crop and soil improvement
HouseholdFixes atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria, enriching soil and reducing need for synthetic fertilizers. Improves soil structure and prevents erosion. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest for hay at early bloom stage (beginning of pink flowering) for optimal nutritional content and digestibility. Cut when soil is dry to prevent damage. For grazing, allow growth to 8-10 inches before turning livestock on. Multiple cuttings are possible in one season. Seed can be harvested when flower heads dry and turn brown.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Clover 'Medium' is called 'medium' because it reaches physiological maturity between early and late varieties, making it a mid-season type widely used in temperate pasture systems.
- 🌱 A single red clover plant can fix 200-300 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year through its symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules.
- 🌱 Red clover has been used in traditional European herbalism for centuries and remains one of the most economically important forage legumes in temperate climates worldwide.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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