Persian Clover

Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum) is a fast-growing annual legume widely used as a green manure and cover crop. It forms a dense, weed-suppressing mat and fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules, enriching the soil for subsequent crops. It thrives on moderately moist, fertile soils and attracts bumblebees and honeybees when allowed to flower.

Growing

Broadcast sow directly onto prepared soil as soon as soil temperatures reach 5 °C. Aim for a sowing depth of 1–2 cm and rake lightly to cover. No thinning is required for green manure use; for denser coverage, sow 180–250 g per 100 m². The seedlings establish quickly and form a ground-covering mat within a few weeks.

Care

Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment. Once the stand is dense, water only during prolonged dry spells. Cut the mass down before flowering to encourage regrowth — the plant tolerates multiple cuts per growing period. Mow or slash the biomass and use the cuttings as mulch between other crops. No fertiliser is needed as the plant fixes its own nitrogen. Remove flower heads if you want to prevent self-seeding.

Harvest

For green manure, cut the stand at the point when the canopy is lush and just before the first flower buds appear. The biomass can be cut repeatedly throughout the growing period. At the end of the season, allow it to die back after the first hard frosts — it will collapse into a thin protective mulch layer over the soil surface.

In the kitchen

Persian clover is not grown for culinary use. Its primary purpose is soil improvement, weed suppression, and pollinator support. Young shoots are edible and can be added sparingly to salads, but the crop is almost exclusively used as a cover crop or green manure in the garden.

Storing

Cut green biomass should be used immediately as mulch or incorporated into the soil. Seeds can be stored dry in a cool, dark location in sealed paper or cloth bags for up to three years without significant loss of germination rate.