GREEN MANURE Haifa White Clover Seeds
Botanical name: Crotalaria juncea L
Type: Perennial Temperate Legume
Haifa White Clover is a versatile cool-season legume prized for its ability to improve soil fertility, fix atmospheric nitrogen, and provide a dense living mulch. With spreading growth and resilient ground cover, Haifa White Clover enriches your soil, suppresses weeds, and supports beneficial insects. Perfect for revitalising garden beds, orchards, pastures, and cropping areas.
- Ideal for improving soil structure and adding organic matter in cool and warm temperate climates.
- Fixes atmospheric nitrogen naturally, reducing fertiliser needs and enhancing soil health.
- Forms a thick mat that shades out weeds and helps prevent soil erosion.
- Attracts pollinators and other beneficial insects for a thriving ecosystem.
- Suitable for home gardens, orchards, cover cropping, and under-sowing pastures.
- Provides excellent forage when grazed or can be incorporated as green manure.
Plant Details:
- Plant Type: Perennial cool-season legume green manure cover crop
Sowing Information:
- Sow When:
Temperate Regions: Early autumn–late spring (March–October).
Subtropical Regions: Autumn–winter (April–August).
Tropical Regions: Late autumn–winter (May–July). - Germination: 7–14 days
- Depth: 0.5–1 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Sow Where: Directly into prepared seedbed or pasture
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained soil with pH 5.5–7
- Spacing: Broadcast evenly or drill rows 15–20 cm apart
Management:
- Keep soil consistently moist during establishment for strong germination.
- Mow or lightly graze to encourage dense spreading growth and prevent flowering if using as green manure.
- Allow residues to decompose for 2–4 weeks before planting the next crop.
Harvest and Incorporation:
Chop or mow before full flowering to maximise nitrogen return and soil benefits. Incorporate residues into soil to build long-term fertility and structure.
When to Sow Haifa White Clover in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | March–October | Sow during cool, moist periods for reliable establishment. |
| Subtropical | April–August | Plant in autumn to early winter to avoid heat stress and ensure good germination. |
| Tropical | May–July | Sow in the cooler dry season for best results. |
| Cool | Spring–early autumn | Plant as soil warms after frost risk passes, or in early autumn. |
| Arid | Autumn–early spring | Establish with irrigation; mulch helps retain soil moisture. |
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 7–14 days |
| Sowing Depth | 0.5–1 cm |
| Watering | Keep moist during establishment; tolerates some dryness once mature. |
| Growth Period | 6–12 months or longer (perennial) |
| Incorporation | Mow or chop before flowering; dig into soil 2–4 weeks before next planting. |