Best Clover varieties for Deep South 2026.
2 varieties with documented performance data for clover in Deep South. Rankings reflect independent university trial data and publicly-documented agronomic fit — not seed-company marketing claims.
The Deep South demands heat-tolerant genetics and aggressive disease packages — leaf rust, southern rust, soybean rust, and root-knot nematode are constant pressures. UGA's forage program is the gold standard for warm-season grass and clover variety data, and food plot variety selection here is some of the most active in the country.
Durana White Clover
ExcellentDurana is the most thoroughly tested ladino white clover variety for Southeast food plot and pasture use. UGA forage program data has documented Durana's stand persistence at 5+ years in well-managed Deep South plots — substantially longer than older varieties like Regal or Will Ladino. Heat tolerance and grazing tolerance are both class-leading.
Editorial top pick is selected based on overall performance rating and regional fit — not on seed-company sponsorship or affiliate relationships. Bield: Farm has neither.
Top varieties side-by-side
Comparison — Clover in Deep South
2 varieties| Metric | Durana White CloverPerennial; 2–4 month establishment to full stand | Patriot White CloverPerennial; 2–4 month establishment |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | Excellent | Good |
| Data quality | University Trial Data | University Trial Data |
| GMO | Non-GMO | Non-GMO |
| Drought tolerance | Good | Good |
| Standability | Good | Good |
| Sclerotinia crown and stem rot | Good | Good |
| Pythium root rot | Good | Unknown |
| Seeding rate | 5–8 lb/acre pure stand; 3–5 lb/acre overseeded into existing grass | 5–8 lb/acre |
Cell tinting reflects best (green) / worst (amber) within this comparison only. Always verify against the latest extension trial report for Deep South before purchase decisions.
Where this data comes from
Clover variety trials in Deep South
Independent · Public UniversityThese results come from independent university variety trials — not seed company marketing materials. Variety entries, planting dates, and harvest measurements are controlled by the trial program. Land-grant universities publish full results annually.
- University of Georgia Forage Trialsgeorgiaforages.caes.uga.edu ↗
- Auburn Crops Extensionwww.aces.edu ↗
- Mississippi State Variety Trialswww.mafes.msstate.edu/variety-trials ↗
- Clemson Cooperative Extensionwww.clemson.edu/extension ↗
Trial reports are typically released in January–March of the year following harvest. For Clovervariety selection, the most recent year’s report is the most relevant data source.
All reviewed varieties — Deep South
- Durana White CloverExcellentPerennial; 2–4 month establishment to full stand·Non-GMO·University Trial Data
Durana is the most thoroughly tested ladino white clover variety for Southeast food plot and pasture use. UGA forage program data has documented Durana's stand persistence at 5+ years in well-managed Deep South plots — substantially longer than older varieties like Regal or Will Ladino. Heat tolerance and grazing tolerance are both class-leading.
Full review → - Perennial; 2–4 month establishment·Non-GMO·University Trial Data
Patriot is a sister variety to Durana from the same Pennington / UGA breeding pipeline and is widely tested in UGA forage trials. Slightly more aggressive establishment than Durana with similar persistence — a reasonable substitute when Durana seed availability is constrained.
Full review →