How to Grow Clover (Beginner's Guide)
This guide covers growing clover from seed, creating pot mixes, and tips to encourage healthy growth. Remember: intentionally breeding for four leaves requires selective cultivation and patience.
Materials
- Clover seeds (white clover, Trifolium repens)
- Well-draining potting mix with compost
- Wide, shallow pots or trays
- Spray bottle for gentle watering
- Sunlight — at least 4–6 hours of bright indirect light
Step-by-step
- Fill shallow pots with potting mix and press lightly — do not compact too much.
- Sow seeds thinly on the surface and lightly cover with 2–3 mm of soil.
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; use a spray bottle for even moisture.
- Place in bright area with morning sun; avoid intense midday heat for seedlings.
- Thin seedlings if overcrowded once they are established (~3–4 weeks).
- To encourage dense leaf growth, fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Propagation & Maintenance
Clover can be propagated by seed or by transplanting rosettes. Regular light mowing or trimming encourages new lateral shoots and denser coverage.
Common Pests & Diseases
- Aphids — spray with water or insecticidal soap
- Powdery mildew — ensure airflow and avoid overhead watering
- Root rot — avoid poorly drained soils
Encouraging Four Leaves
Although you cannot guarantee four leaves, some growers report higher rates in cultivars selected for leaf variations, and in plants that experience mild stress during leaf formation. Use selective propagation: choose plants that show higher rates and save their seed.