Clover planting in Montana.
Clover planting in Montana is shaped by the state's 4b dominant hardiness zone, last frost date around May 20, and a 125-day growing season. Clover is widely grown in Montana — commercially significant or common in home gardens and food plots.
Planting dates on this page are climatological estimates from USDA frost-date norms and zone-typical planting offsets. Verify against Montana State University Extension for variety- and county-specific guidance.
Planting calendar — 2026
Planting windows shift earlier in southern parts of the state and later in northern parts. Use last frost date in your specific county as the reference.
Planting windows
Spring planting
CloverFall planting
CloverHarvest window
Harvest timing varies with planting date and seasonal weather — these dates are typical for the ideal planting window.
Growing notes
Clover grows well in Montana's typical climate. Montana's 125-day growing season and 4b hardiness zone support reliable production with appropriate variety selection.
Clover is widely grown in Montana — commercially significant or common in home gardens and food plots.
Agronomy reference
Frost-seed in late winter or early spring; can also be fall-planted in southern states. Red clover is biennial; white clover is perennial.
Common pests to watch
- Clover leaf weevil
- Aphids
- Spider mites
Pest pressure varies by region and year. Confirm current outbreaks with Montana State University Extension.
Common diseases
- Northern anthracnose
- Crown rot
- Sclerotinia
Resistance varieties shift each year. Check the current variety trial report for your state.
Variety selection
Clover varieties for Montana live with your extension service.
Variety performance is micro-regional and changes with each year’s trial cycle. We don’t republish variety lists — instead, we point directly at the source.
Search the extension site for “clovervariety trial” or “recommended clover varieties” to find the current report.
Yield varies significantly by variety, soil, fertility, and management. Consult your state extension service for variety performance trials in your region.
Beyond the harvest
Clover as a hunting food plot.
Clover is the single most important food plot species for whitetail deer. Permanent clover plots produce summer protein and fall attraction year after year. Plan your clover food plot in Bield: Hunt for peak rut timing.
Clover timing. Live alerts.
Bield: Farm ties weather and soil-temperature stations in your county to crop planting thresholds — get notified the day soil temp clears your target window.