Will Microclover Grow In Shade? (EXPLAINED)

Micro clover, as we all know it is a low-growing dwarf variety of the common Dutch white clover but seems to have different growing requirements. There are different clover species, and the microclover is the more sustainable and cost-effective choice; they are also more drought tolerant and need less fertilizer.

If you are planning to seed microclover into your existing lawn, there are some careful plans and processes you have to implement. However, before starting a micro clover lawn, you should know the condition it thrives best in.

No, microclover will not thrive in the shade. Microclover is a broad-leaf plant that out-competes weeds and is only suitable for areas that receive direct sunlight. Most clover species prefer full sun, and microclover is no exception either; it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily and would only tolerate partial shade with only 4 hours of direct sunlight.

Microclover has many growing benefits, but despite its reputation, it can be your lawn’s secret superhero. It can also become a weed if you want it to be, but getting it established is not difficult.

What is a microclover? What are the benefits of microclover? Will microclovers grow in the shade? Stick around to find the answers to this and grow thriving micro clover.

What is Microclover?

A micro clover is a low-growing dwarf variety of the common Dutch white clover, and it’s also naturally shorter. Microclover has been a popular lawn option in Europe for years and has only recently gained steam in the US.

Microclover is more drought tolerant and also needs less fertilizer than most lawn grass which is why it’s a popular choice.

Microclover is the one clover species that stands out when making your lawn green and lunch throughout the summer and spring. These grower small leaves are low maintenance and eco-friendly. The popular variety of microclover in the US is the ”Piroutte and ”Pipolina”.

Growing requirements:

• Needs 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily
• Requires very little to no mowing due to its compact, low-growing form
• All new plants should be kept damp for best result germination, keep them evenly hydrated but not soggy. Water regularly so your soil does not wring out.
• To improve the germination rate, rake lightly and press
• Water regularly so the soil stays hydrated but not soggy

Will Micro Clover Grow In Shade?

Microclover plays nicely on the turf grass, but they are not the type that is tolerant of shade. Microclover is more suited to areas receiving direct sunlight and heavy textured soil with good moisture-holding capacity.

However, it is fairly drought-tolerant and might tolerate partial shade but not full shade. This lawn grass thrives with 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight.

Before planting this lawn grass, you have to ensure your area is getting enough sunlight, you can calculate this using a sunlight calculator. While microclover is tolerant of traffic after it is established, it would not thrive when grown in shade, too much shade will cause microclover.

How to Grow A Micro Clover Lawn

Getting a micro glover lawn established is not a difficult process, but it’s often recommended that you plant micro clover and lawn grass seed together. Micro clover tends to grow quickly so planting it with grass seed can help establish a lawn quickly and also act as fertilizer for a lush self-sustaining lawn.

Micro clover is best planted in spring 2 weeks before your last frost date and if in fall, sow at least 8 weeks before your first average frost date.

Prepare the top 4 to 6 inches of your lawn by adding and tilting compost and scattering seeds densely and gently raking them in using the recommended coverage rate. 10 to 15 seeds are advised to fill patches.

After planting, you should water regularly so the soil does not dry out however keep it hydrated and not soggy. Micro clover will need little supplemental watering, and if you plan to seed micro clover into an exciting lawn, then be sure to mow close to the soil surface and aerate first.

Is Micro Clover Good For Your Lawn?

Micro clover might not be the ideal choice when choosing a clover plant for a shade location, but it is an incredibly beneficial plant.

Micro clover not only looks fantastic but also supplies your lawn with nitrogen and it is fairly drought and heat tolerant than most grass.

One of the great things about clover is that it does not might the heat; it thrives in it. So, micro clover is a great choice for your lawn, its small size gives it the ability to blend seamlessly with your grass.

Wrapping Up

One of the benefits of growing a micro clover lawn is that it does not need fertilizer and also the use of herbicide would only cause damage so that need not be used either.

Also, diseases are rare with micro clover, and adding them to lawns can help control weeds.

Many varieties of clover will not tolerate being planted in shade but if you need one that grows best in shady locations, go for the subterranean clover, it stands out as more shade tolerant than the micro clover.