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Red Clover Microgreens

Trifolium pratense

Delicate microgreens with a mild, sweet flavor and attractive purple-pink stems topped with small rounded leaves. These nutrient-dense sprouts are rich in isoflavones and add both visual appeal and subtle clover taste to salads and sandwiches.

Harvest

8-12d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Attractive Flowers

☀️

Zones

3–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-24 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Harvest

Start Indoors

Harvest

Showing dates for Red Clover Microgreens in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 microgreen →

Zone Map

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Red Clover Microgreens · Zones 3–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

SpacingDense sowing, 1-2 tablespoons per 10x20 tray

SoilFine potting mix or soilless growing medium

pH6.0-7.0

WaterHigh — consistent moisture needed

SeasonSpring and Summer

FlavorMild, sweet, slightly grassy with subtle clover taste

ColorGreen leaves with purple-pink stems

Size1-2 inch tall microgreens

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 4	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 5	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 6	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 7	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 8	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 9	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 10	January – December	—	—	January – December

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Attractive Flowers, Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife Larval Host. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 8 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Each flower head is eventually replaced by a seedpod. The con contain 1 or 2 heart shaped seeds.

Color: Brown/Copper.

Garden value: Edible

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Spring, Summer

Edibility: The leaves and you flowering heads are edible, raw or cooked.

Storage & Preservation

Store freshly harvested red clover microgreens in the refrigerator immediately, placing them in a container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. They'll maintain peak quality for 5-7 days when kept at 35-40°F with proper humidity control. Avoid washing until just before use, as excess moisture accelerates deterioration.

For longer storage, gently wash and thoroughly dry the microgreens, then freeze them in ice cube trays with a small amount of water for smoothie additions. They can also be dehydrated at low temperatures (95-105°F) for 4-6 hours to create a nutrient-dense powder perfect for sprinkling on soups and salads.

Unlike mature clover, these tender microgreens aren't suitable for traditional preservation methods like canning or fermenting due to their delicate structure and high water content.

History & Origin

Origin: Eurasia

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Drought, Dry Soil, Erosion
+Attracts: The leaves and you flowering heads are edible, raw or cooked.
+Wildlife value: This plant supports Clouded Sulfur (Colias philodice) larvae which appear from May to October in the North and from March to November in the South. There are 3 flights in the North and 4 to 5 flights in the South. Adult Clouded Sulfur butterflies feed on flower nectar from many different plants. Bees, butterflies (and their caterpillars) and some moths are attracted to the nectar.
+Edible: The leaves and you flowering heads are edible, raw or cooked.
+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Lettuce

Compatible growing conditions and harvest timing, good space utilization

Radish Microgreens

Natural pest deterrent properties protect clover from aphids and flea beetles

Pea Shoots

Both are nitrogen-fixing legumes with similar water and light requirements

Spinach Microgreens

Compatible growth rates and can be harvested together in mixed salads

Arugula Microgreens

Natural pest repellent properties and complementary nutritional profiles

Chives

Repels aphids and other small insects that can damage tender microgreen shoots

Cilantro Microgreens

Similar growing requirements and harvest timing, attracts beneficial insects

Mustard Microgreens

Natural fungicide properties help prevent damping-off disease in clover

Keep Apart

Sunflower Microgreens

Allelopathic compounds inhibit germination and growth of legumes like clover

Fennel

Strong allelopathic effects suppress growth of most other plants including clover

Black Walnut

Juglone compound is toxic to legumes and severely stunts clover growth

Nutrition Facts

Calories

69kcal(3%)

Protein

1.5g(3%)

Fiber

5.3g(19%)

Carbs

17.6g(6%)

Fat

0.1g(0%)

Vitamin C

54.1mg(60%)

Vitamin A

5mcg(1%)

Iron

1.61mg(9%)

Calcium

8mg(1%)

Potassium

304mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #167782)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally disease-free when grown properly with good air circulation

Common Pests

Aphids, fungus gnats (indoor growing)

Diseases

Damping-off if overwatered

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do red clover microgreens take to grow?▼

Red clover microgreens typically take 8-12 days from seeding to harvest. The exact timing depends on growing conditions—warmer temperatures (70-75°F) speed growth, while cooler conditions extend the growing period. You'll know they're ready when they reach 1-2 inches tall with small rounded leaves and purple-pink stems.

Do I need to soak red clover seeds before planting?▼

Yes, soaking red clover seeds for 6-8 hours before planting is essential for optimal germination. This process softens the seed coat and activates the germination process, resulting in more even sprouting and higher germination rates. Skip this step and you'll likely see patchy, delayed germination across your growing tray.

Can you regrow red clover microgreens after cutting?▼

No, red clover microgreens won't regrow after harvesting. Unlike some herbs that can be cut multiple times, microgreens are harvested at their cotyledon stage before developing true leaves. Once cut, the plants lack the energy reserves needed for regrowth. For continuous harvests, start new trays every 4-5 days.

What do red clover microgreens taste like?▼

Red clover microgreens have a mild, sweet flavor with subtle grassy notes and a delicate clover taste. They're much milder than mature clover leaves and lack any bitterness when harvested at the proper time. The texture is tender and crisp, making them excellent for salads, sandwiches, and garnishes without overwhelming other flavors.

Are red clover microgreens good for beginners?▼

Absolutely! Red clover microgreens are among the easiest varieties for beginners due to their reliable germination, fast growth, and forgiving nature. They're less prone to common beginner mistakes like slight overwatering and don't require special equipment beyond basic growing trays and a light source. Their quick 8-12 day cycle also provides fast results for new growers.

How do you prevent damping off in red clover microgreens?▼

Prevent damping-off by ensuring proper drainage, avoiding overwatering, and maintaining good air circulation. Use a well-draining growing medium, water from the bottom when possible, and run a small fan to keep air moving. Keep growing temperatures around 65-70°F and avoid covering trays too long after germination begins.