Crimson clover also called incarnate clover and French clover. It is an annual plant often used as a green manure crop. Incarnate clover is a member of the Butterfly flower family (Fabaceae) just like: Groundnut, Acorn Clover, Brem, Golden Rain, Hokjespeul, John's Loaf Tree, Cat's thorn, Chickweed, Herb-Roer-Me-Not, Creeping Broadleaf, Lupin, Peanut, Soybean, Green bean, Garden bean, Bird's vetch and White clover. Crimson clover is native to the Mediterranean region including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Turkey and the Balkans. Crimson clover can also be used well in a natural or naturalised garden and, of course, in bee and butterfly gardens. The flowers are about 4 cm long and are a beautiful dark red. They grow on long, light green stems surrounded by light green, heart-shaped leaves with a lighter light green centre. As a green manure crop, this plant replenishes nitrogen in the soil. Crimson clover also suppresses the growth and emergence of weeds. It occurs naturally in meadows, roadsides and arable land. It flowers from May to September. This plant is very popular with bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Hardy annual. Height: 30 - 50 cm.
Outdoor sowing: March - May
Germination: 7 - 21 days
Germination temp.: 18 - 25°C
Sowing depth: 8 - 12 mm
Planting distance: 10 - 15 cm
Planting position: sunny
Flowering period: June - August
In case of using it as green manure:
Broadcast from March on in situ about 1½ grams of seed per square metre. Mix in with a little bit of sand to broadcast the seeds more easier. Press the seeds gently in or rake them in. Keep the soil moist during and after sowing. Remove any weeds to help the seedlings grow undisturbed. Cut or mow the plants just above soil level, after about 3 months, just before the crimson clover sets seed. After this you have to work the cuttings in the soil.
In case of using it as garden plant:
Sow from March on in a sunny spot in moist soil. Keep about 10 cm apart. Press the seeds in gently. Keep weedfree and moist. Thin the seedlings, when they're large enough to handle, to about 15 cm apart.