Soil Preparation: Ladino clover can grow on a wide variety of soils, but does best on fertile, well-drained areas. When planted alone, clover can be established with 300 pounds of 5-10-15 per acre. Soil preparation is critical to ensure good establishment of this crop. Because the seeds are tiny, a smoothed and light-textured soil will aid in germination and establishment. I normally plow my field first when preparing for clover, but then come over with a drag and cultipacker to firm the soil prior to seeding.Planting:Depending on your location, ladino clover can be established from August through October. In the northern states, it can also be established as a spring planting in late January through April. Seeding rates of ladino clover can vary from 1 to 5 lbs./acre depending on whether it is drilled or broadcast (drilling allows for lighter seeding rates). Seed should be lightly dragged or cultipacked after planting to ensure a planting depth of no more than 1/4-inch. A common problem when planting ladino or other clovers is to cover them too deeply in the soil, resulting in poor germinationFollow up:As a perennial, ladino clover will be slow to establish the first fall or spring it is planted. Don’t worry. Keep monitoring, and you’ll see it become very productive the first spring (after a fall planting) and each summer, fall and spring thereafter for as long as the crop persists. Continue to maintain the pH at a level of 6.0 to 6.5. If ladino clover reaches 10 to 12 inches in height during the summer, it can be mowed to a height of no less than 6 inches to encourage new growth. Fertilize as necessary with a non-nitrogen fertilizer such as 0-20-20 (pull a soil sample and have it tested to determine the exact amount and type of fertilizer for top-dressing the crop).
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