Clover (crimson) Food Plot Guide
Fast-establishing annual clover that delivers high-protein forage through late fall and winter.
Seed Rate
20
lbs/acre
Fertilizer
200
lbs/acre (0-20-20)
Depth
¼ to ½ inch
Products
2
available
Overview
Crimson clover is a cool-season annual legume that germinates fast, grows aggressively, and produces a flush of high-protein forage right when deer need it most — fall and early winter. Unlike perennial white clover, crimson clover completes its life cycle in one season, making it perfect for hunters who rotate their food plot crops annually. It's also a fantastic nitrogen fixer that improves soil health for whatever you plant next. Crimson clover produces showy red flower heads in spring, but deer will have consumed most of the forage well before that point.
New to food plots? Read our beginner's guide for step-by-step planting instructions, or use the Clover (crimson) seed calculator to plan your plot.
Why Deer Love Clover (crimson)
Crimson clover offers 15-25% crude protein and is one of the first forages deer seek out after it germinates in fall. Its rapid growth means deer have fresh, palatable forage within 30-45 days of planting — right as hunting season approaches. The tender leaves are highly digestible and deer prefer crimson clover over many other fall-planted forages.
Soil & Growing Conditions
Best Soil Types
Performs well in a wide range of soils including sandy loam, clay-loam, and even moderately poor soils. More tolerant of imperfect conditions than white clover.
Soil pH Range
5.8–7.0 (ideal 6.0–6.5). More acid-tolerant than white clover but still benefits from lime.
Planting Depth
¼ to ½ inch. Slightly larger seed than white clover allows marginally deeper planting.
Check our planting calendar for the best planting window in your state.
Planting Tips
- 1
Plant 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost for best fall establishment.
- 2
Crimson clover can be broadcast and lightly dragged or cultipacked — a perfect no-till option for scratched-in plots.
- 3
Mix with winter wheat or oats for a diverse fall food plot that provides both browse and grain attraction.
- 4
Apply 200 lbs/acre of 0-20-20 at planting to give seedlings a strong start.
- 5
In the South (zones 7-9), crimson clover will overwinter and provide forage through late March.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Planting too late — crimson clover needs time to establish before frost. If planted too late, seedlings may winter-kill.
Expecting it to come back next year — crimson clover is an annual. Plan to replant each fall.
Seeding too light — at 20 lbs/acre, you need adequate seed density to outcompete weeds.
Not inoculating seed in new ground — like all clovers, it needs the right soil bacteria to fix nitrogen.
Recommended Clover (crimson) Seed Products
Deer Creek Seed
Medium Red Clover (Pre-inoculated & Coated)
Medium red clover is a popular legume crop grown for forage, cover cropping, and wildlife food plot plantings. This species is grown as short-lived perennial (3-5 years) in the north and as a winter annual in the south. Pre-inoculated with rhizobacteria and coated for easier establishment.
Find Best Price ↗Domain Outdoor
Domain Pounder - Crimson Clover Food Plot Seed
The Crimson Clover Pounder gives you the option to plant it on its own or add it to your favorite Domain food plot mix. Crimson clover is a fast growing annual clover that is extremely easy to establish, handles shade, and is a great addition to virtually any food plot mix. It is highly attractive, offers very quick cool season growth, provides high nutritional content with great protein levels, delivers nitrogen fixing characteristics for soil health, and will overwinter in most parts of the country offering spring green up and food.
Find Best Price ↗Best Paired With
These crops complement clover (crimson) in a food plot rotation or mix:
Winter wheat
Hardy cereal grain that provides green forage through winter and excellent early spring attraction.
Oats
Quick-growing cool-season grain that deer prefer early in the fall before it winter-kills.
Brassicas (turnips/radishes)
Late-season powerhouse that deer hammer after the first hard frost sweetens the bulbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What soil type is best for clover (crimson) food plots?▾
Performs well in a wide range of soils including sandy loam, clay-loam, and even moderately poor soils. More tolerant of imperfect conditions than white clover. Ideal soil pH: 5.8–7.0 (ideal 6.0–6.5). More acid-tolerant than white clover but still benefits from lime..
How deep should you plant clover (crimson) seed?▾
¼ to ½ inch. Slightly larger seed than white clover allows marginally deeper planting.
How much clover (crimson) seed do you need per acre?▾
The recommended seeding rate for clover (crimson) is 20 lbs per acre. Apply 200 lbs/acre of 0-20-20 fertilizer.
Why do deer like clover (crimson)?▾
Crimson clover offers 15-25% crude protein and is one of the first forages deer seek out after it germinates in fall. Its rapid growth means deer have fresh, palatable forage within 30-45 days of planting — right as hunting season approaches. The tender leaves are highly digestible and deer prefer crimson clover over many other fall-planted forages.
What are common mistakes when planting clover (crimson) food plots?▾
Planting too late — crimson clover needs time to establish before frost. If planted too late, seedlings may winter-kill. Expecting it to come back next year — crimson clover is an annual. Plan to replant each fall. Seeding too light — at 20 lbs/acre, you need adequate seed density to outcompete weeds. Not inoculating seed in new ground — like all clovers, it needs the right soil bacteria to fix nitrogen.
What crops grow well with clover (crimson) in a food plot?▾
Clover (crimson) pairs well with winter wheat, oats, brassicas (turnips/radishes) in a food plot rotation or mix.
Map Your Clover (crimson) Plot
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