Purple Prairie Clover Seeds For Planting (Dalea purpurea) 1,600 Seeds Per Pack

Grow a field of Purple Prairie Clover, from freshly harvested Dalea purpurea seeds. Purple Prairie Clover is a perennial, warm seasoned legume, which grows to a mature height of roughly 12 to 36 inches tall. The plants carry several stems, branching from a single base. The leaves consist of 3 to 5, narrow leaflets, while the flowers are roughly 1.5 inches long. Each bloom displays a bare cone with rosy pink to purple colored florets.

Categorized as a perennial flowering plant, Purple Prairie Clover will grow and establish a deep root system the first year of growth. The plants then wilt on the surface due to harsh frost, later returning the following growing season. Seeds from the Purple Prairie Clover heads can be collected for additional plants the following year. They can also drop to the bare ground beneath.

Purple Prairie Clover plants are popularly seen in many remote areas, open fields, prairies and naturalized settings as well. They are known to attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies, hummingbirds and more. They are often times mixed with other clovers, wildflowers and vetch, for a dramatic and colorful combination. Many gardeners use Purple Prairie Clover flowers in their butterfly gardens and insectary’s as well.

Quick Facts

• Type: Flower
• Color: Purple
• Height: 12″ – 36″ Tall
• Width: 8″ – 12″ Spread per plant
• Season: Perennial
• Zones: 3 to 8
• Environment: Full sun
• Uses: High protein forage for livestock. Excellent color if sown by the masses, or if sown as a backdrop plant. Attracts pollinators.

Sowing The Seed

Purple Prairie Clover seeds are best established by the masses, directly outdoors. Prior to sowing, you can stratify the seeds for a good 30 to 60 days to improve germination rates. When the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed, begin by clearing your sowing area of all unwanted plant life and weeds. Turn the dirt to prep for sowing. Scatter the seeds to the surface of the soil, spacing them out accordingly. Cover the seeds thinly, with roughly 1/8″ to 1/4″ of topsoil. Do not bury the seeds as this will hinder growth.

Growing Conditions

Purple Prairie Clover plants are established best in temperatures of at least 70F, in an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day. They aren’t too picky on soil conditions and are known to grow in sandy, loose soils, as well as clay based soils. A sowing medium with a pH level of 6.6 to 7.5 is best. The area should also be well draining. To increase drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water daily until germination has occurred.

Germination & Growth

Purple Prairie Clover is known to germinate in as little as 7 days after sowing, but can take up to 2 weeks. The plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 12 to 36 inches tall, displaying pinkish, purple flowers. The plants can be spaced about 12 inches apart and are best grown in masses. They will attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden and mix very well with other clovers, wildflowers and vetches as well. Establish in fields, naturalized settings and even in a butterfly garden or insectary.