Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Purple Prairie Clover is a hardy perennial wildflower known for its vibrant, cone-shaped spikes of purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer. Thriving in full sun and well-drained, dry to moderately moist soils, this drought-tolerant plant is a great addition to prairie-style gardens, meadows, or naturalized areas. It grows up to 3 feet tall and attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while also improving soil health by fixing nitrogen. Purple Prairie Clover adds a burst of color and texture to your garden, making it both an ecological and visual asset.
NAME: Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)
VARIETY: Purple
DAYS TO MATURITY: 60 – 90 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Perennial
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 9
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Average, loose soil with a pH 6.2 – 7.5
PLANT HEIGHT: 24 – 36 inches
SPACING: 12 – 18 inches apart
TEMP: 45 – 95ºF
These seeds require stratification. If direct sowing in the fall, artificial stratification isn’t necessary as the natural winter cold will fulfill this need.
Methods of Artificial Stratification:
1. Scarification (optional): Lightly rub the seeds between sandpaper to break the seed coat, enhancing water absorption.
2. Cold Stratification:
Place seeds in a plastic bag with a small amount of moist sand, vermiculite, or a damp paper towel. Make sure the medium is damp but not soaked.
Seal the bag and refrigerate for 30-60 days at a temperature of 34-40°F.
Periodically check to ensure the medium stays moist during the stratification period.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
It is generally not recommended to start Purple Prairie Clover seeds indoors, as they perform best when direct sown outdoors.
If starting indoors, begin 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.
After stratification, sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed trays with a well-draining mix.
Maintain a soil temperature of 65-70°F. Germination usually occurs within 10-15 days.
Thin seedlings to one per cell, and harden them off by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting.
When transplanting, space plants 12-18 inches apart in full sun, in well-drained soil.
Direct sowing is recommended for Purple Prairie Clover.
Sow seeds outdoors in late fall to allow natural cold stratification over winter, or sow in early spring.
Select a sunny, well-drained location. Sow seeds 1/8-1/4 inch deep and lightly press into the soil.
Keep the soil moist until germination, which should occur within 14-30 days in spring.
Light: Requires full sun to thrive.
Soil: Tolerant of sandy, loamy, or rocky soils as long as they drain well.
Water: Water seedlings regularly until established. Mature plants are highly drought-tolerant and prefer medium to dry conditions.
Fertilization: No fertilization is needed, as Purple Prairie Clover fixes nitrogen naturally.
Pruning: Not necessary, though leaving seed heads up over winter provides habitat for wildlife.
