How To Grow Clover Microgreens is a great beginner project if you want something mild, fast, and easy to harvest. Clover grows quickly, handles indoor conditions well, and doesn’t need much space.
Red clover is the best choice for microgreens because it germinates well and produces tender greens with a light sweet flavor that works in salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to grow clover microgreens step by step and show you how to harvest them for the best flavor and texture.
☘️ What You’ll Learn
- Why red clover is the best choice for microgreens
- How to grow clover in trays using coco coir or grow mats
- How to water without causing mold
- When to harvest for the best texture and flavor
- How to store clover microgreens after harvest
🌱 Quick Answer
To grow clover microgreens, sow red clover seeds on moist coco coir or a grow mat, keep them lightly misted, and provide bright indirect light. Most trays are ready to harvest in 8–12 days.
Grow Red Clover Microgreens
Red Clover Microgreens are the best variety of clover seeds to use for growing microgreens at home. Even though it is called red clover it has green leaves. Red refers to the color of its flowers.
You can also use it for growing red clover sprouts which are very similar to alfalfa sprouts.
White clover should not be used because in some circumstances it can become toxic. It is very common in lawns. More on that is below.
White Clover And Cyanide
White clover (Trifolium repens) is a type of legume that is often grown as lawn grass or used as a cover crop in agricultural fields.
It is a common plant in many parts of the world and is often used as animal feed due to its high protein content and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
White clover contains a chemical called cyanogenic glycoside, which is a compound that can release cyanide when the plant is damaged or ingested.
Cyanogenic glycosides are found in a variety of plants, including cassava, almonds, and apricots, and are generally considered to be a natural defense mechanism against herbivores.
Cyanogenic glycosides are not harmful when the plant is intact, but when the plant is damaged or ingested, the cyanogenic glycosides can be converted into hydrogen cyanide, a toxic compound.
However, the amount of hydrogen cyanide produced is generally very small and is not considered to be harmful to humans or animals when consumed in normal amounts.
It is important to note that white clover is generally considered to be safe for human and animal consumption, and it is not toxic when consumed in normal amounts.
However, it is always a good idea to be mindful of the plants you are consuming and to check with a healthcare provider or poison control center if you have any concerns.
How To Grow Clover Microgreens (7 Easy Steps For Beginners)
Step 1 – Start With The Right Seeds: Begin by selecting a type of clover seed that is suitable for growing microgreens.
Red clover is the preferred variety and a great microgreen to grow.
Buy organic red clover seeds that are non-GMO. Crimson clover can also be used safely. Get your seed order in. Here is a link for red clover microgreen seeds.
Step 2 – Prepare Your Growing Tray: Use a container or tray with drainage holes to hold the soil and seeds.
Fill the container with potting mix that is specifically formulated for indoor use.
Make sure to moisten the soil before adding the seeds. I recommend using coconut coir or a coco grow mat for a growing medium in your container.
If you don’t have a grow tray these Bootstrap Farmer trays are strong and long-lasting.
If you don’t want to buy trays you can use recycled food containers as long as they are shallow and you make sure to thoroughly clean them first.
Step 3 – Plant The Seeds: Sprinkle the seeds over the surface of the soil, making sure they are evenly distributed across the entire container.
Try to get them about 1/4 inch apart if possible. Soaking seeds will make them harder to sow but can speed up germination.
Press them lightly into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of potting mix. Clover has a fairly high germination rate so don’t use too much seed.
The germination process is usually fast and starts in 3 to 5 days. These are estimated times as soil temperature affects germination times.
Clover microgreens grow best in a light airy growing medium that holds moisture without staying soggy.
- 70% coco coir
- 30% perlite
You can also use coco grow mats for easier cleanup and faster harvesting.
Step 4 – Water The Seeds: Once the seeds have been planted, water them lightly and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Try using a misting bottle for this.
Add more room temperature water as needed to keep the soil from drying out. Make sure to drain off any excess water from your tray.
Step 5 – Provide Adequate Light: Place your container in an area that receives bright, indirect light for at least 8 hours a day.
Most of the United States will not have enough direct sunlight during the winter months
If you are unable to provide this amount of light naturally, then use a grow light for supplemental lighting.
🏡 Best Indoor Locations for Clover Microgreens
Clover grows best in bright mild indoor spaces with steady airflow.
- Kitchen counters near windows: Great for easy access.
- Grow light shelves: Best for year-round consistency.
- Plant racks near bright windows: Good for multiple trays.
- Cool bright utility rooms: Great if temperatures stay moderate.
Step 6 – Harvest When Ready: Harvest your clover while it is still in the microgreen stage.
After your clover microgreens have sprouted and are about to grow their first true leaves they are at the cotyledon stage and should be ready to harvest.
The approximate time this takes is usually 8-10 days and when they are about 2 inches tall.
Cut them off at the soil surface with scissors or a sharp knife. Scissors or pruning clippers are the easiest way and a lot less work and do a much neater job.
Step 7 -Harvest And Enjoy: You can now enjoy your freshly harvested clover microgreens. They are a great addition to salads and sandwiches, or as a garnish for soups and stews.
With these 7 easy steps, you’ll be able to grow your own clover microgreens in no time. Not only will you get fresh, healthy greens for your meals, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing that you grew them yourself.
So why wait? Get started today on growing your very own clover microgreens.
What is The Best Clover Seed For Microgreens
When it comes to microgreens, the best clover seed for optimal growth and a dense crop is red clover.
Red clover offers great nutritional benefits such as proteins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals. This makes it an excellent addition to a nutritious diet.
This is also an incredibly resilient plant that can access key nutrients from deeper in the soil, making it far easier to grow than other types of microgreens from seed.
⚠️ White Clover and Safety Concerns
This is worth mentioning because some growers may assume any clover seed will work for microgreens. That’s not always a good idea.
For edible microgreens, red clover and crimson clover are the safest and most common choices. These are widely sold for sprouting and microgreen use.
White clover (Trifolium repens) can contain natural compounds called cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds can release small amounts of cyanide when the plant is damaged or stressed.
In normal amounts this may not be dangerous, but it adds unnecessary risk—especially if you are sourcing unknown seed meant for lawns or cover crops.
The simplest rule: stick with food-grade red clover or crimson clover seed when growing clover microgreens.
What Do Clover Microgreens Taste Like?
Clover microgreens are known for their delicate, mild flavor, with a slightly sweet and nutty taste.
They have a tender texture and are often used as a garnish or to add flavor and nutrition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
Some people describe the taste of clover microgreens as being similar to alfalfa sprouts, but with a more subtle flavor.
Overall, clover microgreens are a tasty and nutritious addition to a variety of dishes.
How To Use Red Clover Microgreens
Red clover microgreens are a type of edible plant that is grown from the seeds of the red clover plant.
They are a popular choice for microgreens because they are easy to grow and have a mild, slightly sweet taste.
Red clover microgreens can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
Here are some tips for using red clover microgreens:
• Rinse the microgreens thoroughly before using them to remove any dirt or debris.
• Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the microgreens into small pieces, if desired.
• Add red clover microgreens to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or other dishes as a garnish or flavor boost.
• Include red clover microgreens in smoothies for a nutritional boost. They can also be blended into dips or spreads.
• Store red clover microgreens in the refrigerator in a damp paper towel or cloth until ready to use. They will stay fresh for several days.
• Red clover microgreens can also be dried and used as a tea or added to herbal remedies.
• Experiment with using red clover microgreens in different dishes and see how they add flavor and nutrition to your meals.
How Do You Eat Clover Microgreens?
There are many ways to eat clover microgreens, which are a type of edible plant grown from the seeds of the clover plant.
Here are some ideas for incorporating clover microgreens into your meals:
• Add clover microgreens to salads for a nutritional boost and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
• Use clover microgreens as a garnish for sandwiches, wraps, or other dishes.
• Include clover microgreens in smoothies for a nutritious boost.
• Blend clover microgreens into dips or spreads.
• Sprinkle clover microgreens over soups or stews as a garnish.
• Experiment with using clover microgreens in different dishes and see how they add flavor and nutrition to your meals.
How To Store Clover Microgreens
Red clover microgreens can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. They can also be dried. Here is an article on how to store microgreens
To store clover microgreens, follow these steps:
- Rinse the microgreens thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Dry the microgreens completely using a salad spinner or by patting them dry gently with a paper towel.
- Place the microgreens in a damp paper towel.
- Place the wrapped microgreens in a plastic bag or container with a lid that has ventilation holes.
- Store the microgreens in the refrigerator, making sure there is some circulation in the bag or container.
- Use the microgreens within a few days for the best flavor and texture.
It’s important to keep the microgreens moist and cool to prevent them from wilting or drying out.
If the microgreens start to wilt or look wilted, you can try reviving them by soaking them in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes and then patting them dry.
When storing clover microgreens, it’s also important to keep them away from strong odors or foods that might affect their flavor, as they can absorb odors easily.
If you are storing the microgreens in a container with other foods, be sure to keep them separate and labeled.
Red Clover Microgreens Benefits
Clover microgreens are a type of edible sprout that is harvested from the clover plant (Trifolium spp.) when the plant is still young and has just a few leaves.
They are a rich source of nutrients and have been shown to have a number of potential health benefits.
Some potential benefits of clover microgreens may include:
High in nutrients: Clover microgreens are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.
They are particularly high in vitamin C and vitamin K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium.
May have anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies have suggested that clover microgreens may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
May have anti-cancer properties: Some studies have shown that clover microgreens may have anti-cancer properties and may be able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
May help improve cardiovascular health: Some research has suggested that clover microgreens may help lower cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health.
It is important to note that while clover microgreens may have these potential health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand their effects on human health.
As with any dietary supplement, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before adding clover microgreens or any other supplement to your diet.
Read more about clover’s health benefits here.
Clover Microgreens Nutrition
Clover microgreens are a nutritious addition to any diet, as they are packed with vitamins and minerals. Some of the nutrients found in clover microgreens include:
Vitamin C: Helps to boost the immune system and protect against cell damage.
Vitamin K: Important for bone health and blood clotting.
Folate: Helps with the production of red blood cells and the metabolism of amino acids.
Iron: Essential for the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen in the body.
Calcium: Necessary for strong bones and teeth, nerve function, and muscle function.
Protein: Important for building and repairing tissues, as well as making enzymes and hormones.
Clover microgreens also contain small amounts of other nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Overall, clover microgreens are a good source of vitamins and minerals that can support good health.
🛠️ Common Problems / Troubleshooting
Mold on Soil
Usually from too much moisture or poor airflow.
Slow Germination
Usually cooler temperatures or older seed.
Leggy Growth
Needs stronger light or closer light placement.
Uneven Growth
Often caused by uneven seed spacing or watering.
Wilting After Harvest
Usually from improper storage or excess moisture.
☘️ Clover Microgreens FAQs
What is the best clover seed for microgreens?
Red clover is the best and most common choice for growing edible clover microgreens.
How long do clover microgreens take to grow?
Usually 8–12 days depending on temperature and light.
Do clover microgreens need direct sunlight?
No. Bright indirect light or grow lights work best.
Can I grow clover microgreens on coco mats?
Yes. Coco mats work very well and make harvesting cleaner.
Do clover microgreens regrow after cutting?
Usually no. Most are grown as a single harvest crop.
🌿 Final Thoughts: A Mild Easy Microgreen for Beginners
Clover microgreens are one of the easiest beginner crops you can grow indoors. They’re fast, mild, and easy to fit into almost any small-space gardening setup.
If you want something simple that grows quickly and works well in salads and sandwiches, red clover is a great choice to keep in your microgreens rotation.