How to Grow Purple Prairie Clover From Seed

Purple prairie clover (Petalostemum purpureum) is a perennial flower that grows wild in north and central parts of the United States. It reaches a height of up to 3 feet and produces purple-pink, cone-shaped flowers from late spring until the first killing frost of fall. The plants not only are attractive, but are also a good food source for livestock. Purple prairie clover thrives in dry, sandy soil and full sun. It is best propagated by seed, as success by root division is limited.

Things You'll Need

Garden fork
Sandpaper

Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Use a garden fork to cultivate the soil until it is loose to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
- 2
  Remove all large rocks and clumps of grass that may interfere with planting.
- 3
  Scar the coatings of the seeds by rubbing them five to six times with a piece of sandpaper.
- 4
  Broadcast the purple prairie clover seeds over the loose soil and cover them with a 1/8-inch layer of soil.
- 5
  Mist the soil lightly with a garden hose right after planting. Continue to add moisture when the surface of the soil dries out.
- 6
  Water only when more then one week passes without rainfall, after the seedlings reach a height of 4 to 5 inches.
- 7
  Thin purple prairie clover when the plants are approximately 4 inches tall. Leave a space of 4 to 6 inches between each seedling.
- 8
  Pull weeds from around the plants as necessary.

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