A Summer Seeding Guide from Earthwise Seed Co.
Summer is a powerful time to transform your lawn and clover is one of the best seeds to plant right now. But before you throw down just any mix, let’s make sure you’re picking the right clover variety for your region, your goals, and your soil.
At Earthwise Seed Co., we offer several types of clover, each with its own strengths. Let us help you choose the best one for your yard and show you how to seed it successfully this season.
Why Clover Belongs in Your Summer Lawn
Clover isn’t just a filler—it’s a game-changer for modern, low-maintenance, eco-conscious lawns. It:
- Thrives in the heat
- Suppresses weeds naturally
- Stays green through drought
- Requires little (if any) mowing
- Attracts pollinators and enriches your soil
And with summer heat warming the soil, germination happens fast, as long as you keep it watered during those first couple of weeks.
Clover Varieties We Offer—and How to Choose
1. White Dutch Clover
Best for: Classic clover lawns, lawn-alternative blends, moderate foot traffic
Grows in: Full sun to partial shade
Summer suitability: ✅✅✅
White Dutch is the traditional go-to. It grows low (around 4–8"), spreads easily, and holds up well in warm conditions. Great as a standalone lawn or mixed with turf grasses for a blended look.
✔ Spreads easily
✔ Long-lasting perennial
✔ Resilient and drought-tolerant
Summer Tip: Overseed White Dutch into bare patches or poor-performing grass to fill in fast and help crowd out weeds.
2. Crimson Clover
Best for: Quick seasonal cover, pollinator gardens, soil improvement
Grows in: Full sun
Summer suitability: ✅✅
Crimson clover brings deep red blooms and fast results. It’s not a perennial like White Dutch, but it grows quickly and fixes nitrogen in the soil—great for gardeners and land restorers. While it doesn't regrow from the same plant year after year like a perennial, its ability to produce and drop seed that germinates the following year can create the impression of a perennial presence.
✔ Bold color
✔ Fast germination
✔ Attracts bees + butterflies
Summer Tip: Use it as a showy seasonal addition to pollinator patches or as a nitrogen-rich cover crop between planting cycles.
3. Tri-Clover Blend
Best for: Full clover lawns, low-mow alternatives, a polished look
Grows in: Full sun
Summer suitability: ✅✅✅
Our Tri-Clover Blend is a mix of three clovers — red, white, and crimson flower clover designed to balance coverage, texture, and durability.
✔ Low-growing and dense
✔ More uniform appearance
✔ Great for no-mow lawns
Summer Tip: Water consistently during the first 2–3 weeks after planting. Once established, this blend is incredibly low-maintenance.
Spotlight: Why Microclover Might Be the Best Fit for Your Lawn
Microclover (a smaller-leaved variety of white clover) is a standout choice for those who want the benefits of clover without changing the look and feel of a traditional lawn too dramatically. It blends beautifully with turfgrass, stays lower to the ground, and doesn’t clump as noticeably as standard clover.
Why Choose Microclover?
- Subtle Appearance – Its small leaf size helps it blend more seamlessly into a grassy lawn, making it ideal for those who want a soft, uniform look.
- Better Coverage – Microclover spreads evenly and resists patchiness, reducing the need for reseeding.
- Stays Low – Unlike other clover varieties, microclover grows shorter and denser, meaning it doesn’t require as much mowing.
- Durable for Foot Traffic – It's tough enough to handle moderate play and foot traffic, making it a smart pick for families or pet owners.
- Improves Soil Naturally – Like all clovers, microclover fixes nitrogen in the soil, reducing or eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Best for: Those wanting an ultra-low-maintenance lawn with a tidy, uniform appearance—and anyone curious about a clover-turfgrass blend.
Can You Seed Clover in Summer?
Yes—and here’s why you should.
Warm soil temperatures mean clover germinates quickly. The key is to:
- Rake or rough up the soil before seeding
- Keep the seed moist for 10–14 days after planting
- Use Seed-Tac or mulch for sloped areas to prevent runoff
- Avoid overwatering — moist, not soggy!
We also recommend seeding in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid drying out your seed during peak heat.
Final Thoughts: Start Small or Rethink Your Whole Lawn
No matter your lawn goals, there’s a clover that can help you get there, whether it’s greening up a few patches, reducing your mowing time, or switching to a more sustainable, pollinator-friendly space.
And summer? It's a great time to start.
Need Help Choosing?
Use our Regional Seed Guide to see what works best in your area, or reach out anytime for personalized help.
Ready to grow better? Shop Clover Seeds Now →