Subterranean clover
Trifolium subterraneum · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant subterranean clover: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Trifolium subterraneum
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, characteristic trifoliate leaves
- Flowering
- Spring (April to June)
- Hardiness
- Temperate to Mediterranean climate
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin
Care
Watering
Subterranean clover tolerates dry periods well once established. Water moderately during prolonged drought, particularly at the young stage. This plant prefers fresh soil but not waterlogged; excess moisture can promote rot.
Light Exposure
Choose full sun exposure for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Subterranean clover can tolerate light partial shade, but its development will be slowed. A minimum of 6 hours of direct daily sunlight is recommended.
Soil
This species thrives in well-drained, light to medium soils. It tolerates poor and chalky soils, making it an excellent cover crop plant. Avoid compacted and permanently wet soils that would compromise its roots.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer application is necessary. As a legume, subterranean clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen through its root-dwelling bacterial symbionts, which naturally enriches the soil. Impoverished soil suits this hardy species perfectly.
Pruning and Maintenance
No pruning is essential. You can mow or shred the vegetation after flowering to encourage self-seeding and maintain dense coverage. This plant regenerates naturally and requires minimal intervention.
Diseases and Pests
Subterranean clover is generally very hardy and rarely affected by diseases. Monitor excessive moisture conditions that could promote rot. In intensive cultivation, slugs may damage young plants.
Did you know?
Subterranean clover owes its common name to a remarkable botanical mechanism: after flowering, the flower stalk curves and progressively buries itself in the soil, literally burying its seeds underground. This highly efficient self-seeding behavior has made this species useful for millennia in Mediterranean agriculture as a cover crop and temporary grassland forage.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.