Also known as Clover · 165 saves

Trifolium

Trifolium, the genus most gardeners know as clover. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.

4 varieties2 speciesZones 4–10Mostly full sun

The 3 most-saved Trifolium varieties

Browse all 4 Trifolium varieties →

2 species of Trifolium

Each one is a parent of the varieties above.

Track your Trifolium in Sow

Save the Trifolium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.

How to grow Trifolium

Whats common across all Trifolium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.

The Trifolium year

  • DivideMarch and September75% of varieties

    Divide mature clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

  • Spring CleanupFebruary75% of varieties

    Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth starts

  • MulchMarch50% of varieties

    Apply a light layer of mulch to suppress weeds

  • PlantMarch and September50% of varieties

    Plant nursery stock or divisions in early spring or fall

  • PruneJuly and August50% of varieties

    Mow high if used in a lawn setting to control height and encourage density

Do

  • Water during dry spells 🌱
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms 🌱
  • Apply mulch to conserve moisture 🌱
  • Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor 🌱
  • Water regularly during dry spells 💧

Avoid

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen fertilizers ❌
  • Refrain from heavy pruning in late fall ❌
  • Keep from planting in overly shady spots ❌

What goes wrong with Trifolium

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
AphidsSticky honeydew and distorted leavesSpray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
Root rotWilting and yellowing leavesEnsure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering
Generally pest-freeNo significant insect damage is typicalMonitor only; NCSU rates it resistant to rabbits and squirrels
Powdery mildewWhite powdery coating on leavesApply sulfur fungicide or remove affected foliage
Root rotWilting and browning in rootsImprove drainage and reduce watering frequency

Making more Trifolium

Seed

  1. Tuck seeds into soil in early spring
  2. Keep soil moist for 2 weeks
  3. Germination occurs in 7–14 days

seeds

  1. Tuck seeds into prepared soil in early spring.
  2. Water gently and keep moist for 6 weeks.

Trifolium questions

How many types of Trifolium are there?

The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Trifolium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 165 real gardeners — are shown first above.

What zones does Trifolium grow in?

Across its varieties, Trifolium covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.

When does Trifolium bloom?

Most Trifolium varieties bloom in late spring to mid-summer, late spring, spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.

Which Trifolium should I choose?

Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.

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