There are plenty of reasons people choose to plant clover lawn seeds over traditional turfgrass. One of the biggest is water savings. Clover is part of the legume family, which means it helps feed the soil, and it’s also more drought tolerant than most grass species. But even low-maintenance ground cover like clover still has basic watering needs—especially early on.
Whether you're in the rainy Northwest or facing dry summer months in the South, understanding how to water your lawn of clover can help you grow a green lawn with less effort.
Watering Clover During Seeding
The first two weeks are the most important when planting clover seeds. This is when the seeds are most vulnerable and need steady moisture to sprout.
"When seeding clover, it’s important to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes about 5 to 7 days for most common types of clover," shares Matthew Koch, Ph.D., Director of Biotechnology and Genetics at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. “After application, lightly water the area so the soil surface stays moist, and plan to water two times each day, once in the morning and again in the late afternoon, to maintain consistent moisture for the first two weeks.”
That frequent watering schedule is especially important for areas with dry soil types or where summer heat causes rapid water evaporation. “In hotter, drier climates like those found in the southern U.S.,” Koch adds, “sticking closely to this twice-daily schedule is especially important to protect young clover seedlings from intense sun and rapid evaporation.”
During this early stage, lawn care experts recommend that you keep the seeds moist but not soaked. Consistent moisture helps improve germination rate and keeps your clover growth on track. If you're planting white clover or micro clover, the technique is the same: light, regular watering and good soil contact are key.
Watering an Established Clover Lawn
Once your clover yard is fully grown—usually four to six weeks after planting—its water needs drop significantly. Koch notes that “clover is naturally drought-tolerant and, when planted with a premium seed like O.M. Scotts & Sons Clover Seed, generally requires deep watering only once every 7 to 10 days during extended dry spells.”
Deep watering means soaking the soil enough to reach a depth of four to six inches. That’s where clover roots live, and it helps build a strong, resilient lawn. In humid or rainy climates, many homeowners never have to water at all.
For those living in areas with poor soil or high sun exposure, a good test is to check the soil quality with a screwdriver. If you can’t push it in easily, or the soil is dry more than two inches down, it’s time to water.
How Long Can Clover Go Without Water?
Southern summers can be brutal; however, that doesn’t mean your clover lawn needs frequent watering. Instead, pay attention to how your type of lawn is holding up.
“In particularly hot southern climates, it’s a good idea to monitor your entire lawn during prolonged heatwaves," explains Koch. "If the clover species begin to wilt or lose their vibrant green color, increase watering to roughly every five to seven days to keep the lawn healthy and resilient.”
This applies to any clover variety, whether you're growing white clover flowers or a blend that includes Dutch clover or Trifolium repens.
How to know your clover needs water:
- Leaves look limp or are curling in
- Color shifts from bright green to dull or gray-green
- Soil is dry more than 2 inches deep
- You can’t push a screwdriver easily into the soil
Remember: A isn't going to help the beneficial pollinator population. If you spot these signs, water deeply and then give it a few days to bounce back. For best results, water early in the morning or after sunset to reduce water evaporation.
FAQ
Does clover need less water than grass?
Yes. Most types of clover have deep roots and better drought tolerance than traditional lawns made with turf grasses. This means they can go longer without irrigation, even in the summer months. Once mature, clover plants need far less water per week than grass seed mixes, making them a smart choice for conserving water and cutting down on yard work.
Is it okay to mow after watering clover?
It's better to wait until the lawn is dry because wet clover can be slippery and may clump under your mower. Also, you might only need to every couple of weeks because it's a dense, low-growing plant.
And of course, clippings are always questioned. "After your clover is established, mow to your desired height and leave the clippings on the lawn," recommends Koch. "Clover naturally returns nitrogen to the soil, so recycling clippings acts as a boost of fertilizer and helps maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn with minimal effort."
