Flower Specifications
- Approximate seeds per pound: 292,000
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 6 - 9
- Height: 24 - 30 inches
- Bloom Season: Early to mid summer
- Bloom Color: Purple
- Environment: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy, pH 6.2 - 7.5
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 65 - 70F
- Average Germ Time: 14 - 30 days
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: 1/16 inch
- Sowing Rate: 3 ounces per 1,000 square feet or 9 pounds per acre
- Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
- Care & Maintenance: See: Prairie Clover
Prairie Clover (Dalea Purpurea Purple) - Perfect for a meadow, naturalized setting, slopes, or along road sides, this unique perennial establishes from Purple Prairie Clover flower seed. Bees love the clover blooms. The lavender-purple flowers are formed on slender spikes. The flowers at the bottom of the spike bloom first, forming a wreath that climbs the spike as blooming progresses. It prefers a full sun setting and well-drained soil.
Prairie Clover is native to the north central portion of the United States. It is an excellent high protein forage for livestock, and it is drought tolerant due to an extensive root system. Native Americans made tea from the leaves of Purple Prairie Clover and used the roots for chewing. American Indians in the western United States used other Daleas to dye skins and for remedies for coughs and colds. Others were used by the Kiowa because the tough, slender stems, tipped with cactus thorns, made good arrows for small game. It is truly a unique and one-of-a-kind wildflower.
Purple Prairie Clover is easily propagated from seed. A late fall planting of Purple Prairie Clover flower seed directly outdoors is suggested. Prepare a clean weed-free seed bed. Sow the clover seed and lightly cover 1/16 inch. The clover seed will lie dormant through the winter, and will begin to germinate in the spring when temperatures warm. If rainfall is inadequate, water regularly until plants are well-established.
