Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
White Prairie Clover is a resilient perennial wildflower that features elegant spikes of white, tubular flowers blooming in mid-summer. This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it ideal for prairie gardens, meadows, and other naturalized landscapes. Growing up to 3 feet tall, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, while also improving soil health through nitrogen fixation. With its delicate blooms and ability to thrive in tough conditions, White Prairie Clover is a wonderful choice for adding both beauty and ecological value to your garden.
NAME: Prairie Clover (Dalea candida)
VARIETY: White
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’s generally not recommended to start White Prairie Clover seeds indoors, as they tend to establish better when sown directly outdoors.
If starting indoors, begin 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost.
After stratification, plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting trays with a well-draining mix.
Keep the soil temperature at 65-70°F. Germination should occur within 10-15 days.
Once seedlings emerge, thin them to one per cell and gradually expose them to outdoor conditions for a week before transplanting.
Direct sowing is recommended for White Prairie Clover.
Sow seeds outdoors in late fall to allow natural cold stratification over winter, or sow in early spring.
Choose a sunny, well-draining site. Plant seeds 1/8-1/4 inch deep and lightly press them into the soil.
Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs within 14-30 days in spring.
Light: Prefers full sun and will not thrive in shaded areas.
Soil: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, and rocky soils but requires good drainage.
Water: Water regularly during the establishment period. Once mature, White Prairie Clover is highly drought-tolerant and prefers medium to dry soil conditions.
Fertilization: Generally not needed, as White Prairie Clover naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Pruning: Pruning is unnecessary, though leaving seed heads up through winter can provide habitat for wildlife.
