Last Year's Clover SeedI

[Pygmy]

I have in my possession a significant amount ( 28 pounds) of clover seed from last year.

I understand that it can be re-inoculated for planting this year.

Is anybody familiar with the process ? Is it worth doing or am I better off just planting it extra heavy to compensate for the lower germination rate ? I also have about fourteen pounds of this year's seed that I could mix with it.

[growalot]

I have planted 3yr old seed and had fine results...no reinoculation...if the area has grown clover in the past then there should be no issue...just my observations

[ATbuckhunter]

You'll have no problem planting those seeds. You may have to seed at a slightly higher rate because some may not germinate, but other then that its fine. 

[G-Man]

Most people overseed no matter how hard they try to follow seeding rates, plant it ot will grow ,maybe at 85% germ now is all

[Berniez]

I understand that it can be re-inoculated for planting this year.

You need to inoculate the seed if there is no nitrogen fixing bacteria for clover in the soil. IF it's a clover free area then you need to inoculate the clover seed. (Make sure your inoculation is for clover.  Otherwise  it;s a waste of money.
Is anybody familiar with the process ?

The process consists of  opening the bag of inoculant and dump it on the seed and either shake well or mix it so it covers the seed.  Simple and easy

Then plant the stuff

You failed to mention the type of clover but if its Ladino 1-3 lbs per acre,  3-5 for Alsike 8-12 for Mammoth or red.  (I use 5-7 lbs alone for white clover and am happy with the results though folks want much higher rates so 28lbs...is enough for 4-5 acres by itself. If you mix it with oats or titicale it will act as a cover until the clover gets established. (this is a real good idea if using a small plot or there is a high deer density).  The oats die off in July/August and the clover comes on like gangbusters. 

 

Sure you can mix the new seed with the old.

 

Unless you stored the seed in a high heat and humid area the two year old clover seed with germinate and grow without issue

 

 

FYI  Some seeds (Like switchgrass) actually have a higher germination rate if they have been stored correctly for 3-5 years before planting.  Just keep those seeds dry. 

 

bottom line is unless you stored the seed in your steam room or oven...the seed will do just fine.

 

Just get it in the soil