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What will happen to my clovers over winter?
Chris Mason
Posts: 159
Last week I sowed some red clover seeds, they've now germinated. Will they survive the winter and go on to flower? Thank you.
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Yes, they're hardy perennials. I often protect very tiny seedlings in cold GH in the worst of winter but in nature they look after themselves
In the sticks near Peterborough
I'm a bit confused about hardy perennial seedlings.
Why is it recommended that they be planted into the ground after the last expected frost, if they have been grown and raised in pots, left outside in a sheltered spot, over the Winter.
Last edited: 03 July 2017 06:51:58
In theory you can plant them out Mary, but taking a very small, young, protected seedling and putting it in a border can be too much for it. They're quite vulnerable at that stage, so they're better grown on and poted on to make a sturdier plant before planting out. That way, they can withstand the vagaries of the weather and and damage from slugs and snails etc. and it's easier for them to tackle getting out into the surrounding soil. Small plants tend to rot off in the cold soil of late winter /early spring. In nature, they develop in those 'less protected' surroundings, so they're better adapted to it all, and are tougher
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks Fairygirl, I'm learning so much from this forum. It's one thing to read books, seed packets and information on the internet, but as usual the best advice is from those who have actually done it, in this case planted perennial seeds.
Your own conditions dictate too Mary. What works well enough for someone in a warm southern site with warm soil, and a nicely protected location, won't necessarily work in an exposed, cold, wet site further north, or a windy, coastal one.
I learned over time that I had to wait to plant things out up here, because small plants simply don't thrive in our conditions, and to also expect a few casualties along the way because of that. As you say, it's frustrating when seed packets and books say sow them and plant them out - it'll all be fine!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...