Clover That Blooms Late in the Summer for Honey Bees

Dutch White Clover

• Dutch white clover (Trifolium repens) is the perennial species commonly found in lawns in USDA zones 3 to 10. It grows most actively when temperatures are cool and is covered in white flowers in early summer after a flush of green growth in spring. However, it does continue to flower sporadically throughout the summer, especially in cool, moist conditions. In mild coastal areas, mountain elevations and northerly latitudes it is definitely found full of flowers in late summer – and covered with bees. Elsewhere, grow it in part shade, give it ample water and there will undoubtedly be more than a few white clover flowers for bees to forage on later in the summer.

Red Clover

• Red clover is a short-lived perennial often planted in pastures and naturalized in many locations in USDA zones 5 to 9. It is a superb bee forage and its flowering period depends on when it is planted. Fall-planted red clover flowers in spring and early summer the following year. Spring-planted clover may flower in late summer or fall if it is planted early enough. If planted in late spring, it will only put on vegetative growth and then flower the following spring. For a big red clover bloom in late summer, plant as soon as the ground thaws in late winter; red clover germinates well in cool temperatures so there's no need to wait for the ground to warm.

Sweet Clover

• White and yellow sweet clovers (Mellilotus spp.) are one of the most prized crops of beekeepers. These grow in USDA zones 3 to 9 as biennials, meaning they grow only leaves in their first year and flower and set seed in year two, completing their lifecycle. These are not true clovers, but are closely related with many similar characteristics. Sweet clovers bloom heaviest in spring and early summer, but if there is adequate soil moisture, they will continue to provide nectar for bees through September.

Clover Cultivation

• A crop of clover for bees is easy to grow from seed as long as it is sown when temperatures are between 50 and 60 degrees. The vigor of clovers is enhanced by inoculating the seed with the Rhizobium bacteria, a microbe that colonizes clover roots and accumulates nitrogen for use by the plant. Pre-inoculated seed is often sold; otherwise it maybe inoculated manually just before planting. Clover seed is capable of germinating when broadcast directly into lawns and pastures. To form a pure stand of clover, however, it is necessary to till up any existing vegetation. Spread the seed, lightly rake it into the soil, and cover with straw to deter birds form eating it. Water regularly or allow natural precipitation to germinate the crop.