The best times to plant clover in Tennessee are between February 15 and April 1 and August 15 and October 1. These windows have the optimal growing conditions as clover prefers mild temperatures and moist soil to establish strong roots.
Clover is a weed, and naturally, our first instinct is to battle it. But clover is also an environmentally friendly alternative to turfgrass. So don’t fight it – use it to your advantage.
Clover grows best during the aforementioned times because:
- Temperature: Clover grows best in the spring when the temperature is between 60 and 85°F.
- Moist soil: The ground is soft and moist from the rain, which promotes germination.
- Ample sunlight: Clover needs full sunlight to grow. Spring has more sunlight than fall, but there’s enough sunlight to facilitate clover growth.
The chart below shows the best times to plant each type of clover:
| Clover Name | Planting Time (Spring) | Planting Time (Fall) |
| Arrowleaf Clover | — | August 15 – October 1 |
| Alsike Clover | February 15 – April 1 | August 15 – October 1 |
| Crimson Clover | — | August 15 – October 1 |
| Red Clover | February 15 – April 1 | August 15 – October 1 |
| White Clover | February 15 – April 1 | August 15 – October 1 |
For more lawn care and landscaping resources for Tennessee, check out these articles:
Frequently asked questions
Is a clover lawn better than a grass lawn?
In some ways it is. It needs less water than grass, doesn’t need to be aerated, doesn’t need as much mowing or fertilizer, doesn’t need herbicides or pesticides, and attracts beneficial insects.
Read our article, “9 Reasons Why a Clover Lawn is Better Than a Grass Lawn”, for more information.
What is the best clover for Tennessee?
White and red clover grow best in Tennessee lawns.
How long does clover take to grow?
On average, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks for clover to fully establish.
Trust the pros
We know you’re busy and you might not have the time to plant clover. Never fear – Lawn Love is here. Our pros will plant a clover lawn as good as any turfgrass lawn you’ve ever seen.
Main Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
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