Growing Mini Clover Lawn Seeds

Mini clover is ideal as a stand-alone lawn alternative or mixed into existing grass. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, acting as a natural, ongoing fertilizer for surrounding turf. It requires less water than grass alone, helping any grass-clover mix stay greener longer through dry spells.

Note: White clover will not kill existing lawns, weeds, or ground covers on its own. Prepare the planting area accordingly before sowing.

Planting a Mini Clover Lawn from Scratch

• Prepare the soil by removing weeds, debris, and stones. Gently rake to loosen the surface.
• Plant in spring or fall when soil temperatures are between 55 and 75 F. In spring, sow as early as two weeks before your last frost date. Sow at a rate of 1 to 2 lbs per 1,000 square feet. Mixing the tiny seeds with sand, sawdust, or soil helps distribute them evenly.
• Lightly rake seeds into the soil to a depth of about 0.25 inch.
• Water gently and consistently for the first 2 to 3 weeks, keeping the soil moist. Cool weather makes this easier. As plants establish, gradually reduce watering.
• Expect germination within 2 to 3 weeks.
• Hold off mowing until the plants have flowered, then mow to a height of 3 inches or higher.

Adding Mini Clover to an Existing Lawn

• Mow your existing lawn down to 1 inch.
• Lightly rake to loosen the soil and remove excess thatch. Seeds must reach the soil to germinate.
• Sow in spring or fall when soil temperatures are between 55 and 75 F, as early as two weeks before your last frost date in spring. Use a rate of 0.5 to 1 lb per 1,000 square feet, mixed with sand or soil for even coverage.
• Lightly rake seeds into the soil to a depth of 0.125 to 0.25 inch.
• Water gently and consistently for the first 2 to 3 weeks, keeping the soil moist.
• Expect germination within 2 to 3 weeks.
• Mow at a height of 3 inches or higher and leave clippings in place — they return nitrogen to the soil and support clover establishment.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"Our friends at Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch in the remote deserts of Southern Utah needed a lawn solution that was drought-tolerant and didn't require excessive mowing. We were able to fill in their patchy 1/4 acre lawn with our mini clover. The results were a lush, green, soft lawn that required no mowing and half the water."