Clover sprouts have thin white stems and small yellowish-green leaves called cotyledons. These tiny leaves are the first to emerge on a new plant and usually don’t look like mature leaves. Perhaps surprisingly, besides clover and alfalfa, other common sprouts include lentils, peas, and beans.

(Although many types of sprouts also come from vegetable seeds.) Legumes in a crop rotation are essential for nitrogen-fixing bacteria that live on their roots, which help restore soil fertility. Clover sprouts are packed with vitamins C and K, which help boost nutrients in your body, just like soil-grown plants do.

Types of Clover Sprouts

There are several types of clover sprouts to choose from, and each type is a good source of vitamins.

Red Clover Sprouts

Red clover sprouts, which we recommend using in the instructions above, taste similar to alfalfa sprouts but have a slightly different flavor. They are smooth and crunchy, making them perfect for your meals. Red clover sprouts have a long, thin base that fades from white to green at the top.

White clover sprouts

This sister shoot resembles red clover sprouts, but white clover sprouts are more spread out and have thicker leaves. They have a thin stem that fades from white to green as they grow. White clover sprouts are more bitter than red ones, but the flavor depends on their maturity.

Which clover seeds do you want to sprout? Check out our guide to choosing seeds to grow.

Benefits of Clover Sprouts

Clover sprouts are a great source of vitamins, fiber, and protein. Despite their slight differences in appearance, red and white clover sprouts have similar health benefits.

• Clover sprouts are rich in vitamins A, B3, K, and C. Both vitamins A and B can support healthy skin, while vitamins K and C can support healing and overall health.
• Clover sprouts are also rich in minerals, such as iron, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and manganese.
• Minerals are essential to keeping the body healthy and vibrant.
• They affect bone, muscle, heart, and brain health.
• Adding clover sprouts to your diet can help you get the minerals, vitamins, and protein your body needs.

How to Grow Clover Sprouts

Place three tablespoons of clover seeds in a quart-sized wide-mouth glass jar and fill with water. Place the germination net on the lid of your jar and leave it at room temperature overnight. Clover sprouts look and taste similar to alfalfa but have a milder flavor. Use red clover seeds for sprouting, as white clover sprouts can have a bitter, earthy flavor. Before you begin, ensure you have the right germination equipment for clover seeds.

Below is a step-by-step process

Prepare the seeds

• Measure about 1-2 tablespoons of clover seeds (they expand significantly during germination).
• Rinse the seeds thoroughly with cool, clean water to remove any residue.

Soak the seeds

• Place the washed seeds in the germination container.
• Add enough water to cover the seeds by about 2 to 3 inches.
• Soak the seeds for 6 to 8 hours or overnight. This will soften the seeds and begin the germination process.

Drain and rinse

• After soaking, drain the water completely using a mesh strainer or germination cap.
• Rinse the seeds with fresh water and drain them again to prevent mold.

Start sprouting

• Place the jar in a cool, dark place (inside a cabinet) at 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C).
• Rinse the seeds with fresh water 2 to 3 times daily to keep them moist and clean.

Monitor the growth

• In 2 to 3 days, you will see tiny sprouts emerging.
• Continue rinsing and draining the seeds until they become whole clover sprouts, which usually takes 5 to 7 days.

Green the Sprouts

When the sprouts are almost ready (about 4 or 5 days), move the jar into indirect sunlight to develop chlorophyll, giving the sprouts a vibrant green color.

Harvest the Sprouts

• Give the clover sprouts a final rinse when they reach the desired length (usually 1 to 2 inches).
• Place the ungerminated seeds or pods in a water bowl, stirring gently and removing debris.

Store the Sprouts

• Dry the sprouts thoroughly with a clean paper towel.
• Store the sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days.

Are you growing clover sprouts in a jar?

Place the seeds in the jar and run cold water through a filter.

• Turn the jar upside down to drain.
• Then, prop it up at an angle so that it continues to drain.
• Rinse the seeds and resulting sprouts twice a day.
• When they reach your desired size, please place them in the sun until they turn green.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for clover sprouts to grow?

Depending on the temperature, clover will begin to sprout in two to three days, but it can take up to seven to ten days.

Is clover hard to grow?

Clover is easy to grow from seed.

Can you eat clover sprouts raw?

No. Eating raw sprouts, including alfalfa, radish, bean, and clover, can have harmful effects. This process can take up to seven to ten days depending on the temperature.

Is clover a superfood?

Clover is rich in health-promoting isoflavones and polysaccharides and is an excellent dietary fiber, vitamin C, and iron source.