Cultivation of Meliot / Sweet Clover

Site: Meliot likes sun but will tolerate light shade. I does well in soil that is well drained. Sweet clover thrives under a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. However, it will not tolerate acid soils. It is drought resistant, winter-hardy and productive throughout the Corn Belt south to the Gulf Coast. Quite alkali tolerant and even likes limestone soils. Because of its deep, heavy taproot and dense root system it opens subsoil and increase aeration, making it a valuable conservation tool.

Propagation: Sow meliot in early spring or late summer. Meliot self-seeds in light soils.

Growing: Thin or transplant meliot plants to 18 inches apart. This plant is not suitable to grow indoors. Root break down rapidly at maturity, adding organic matter to the soil. Sweet clover can be used for hay, silage, green manure or pasture. It is also one of the most valuable plants for honey production, often used solely for bee pasture.

Harvesting: Gather leaves and flowers anytime.

Culinary Uses: Meliot's dried leaves can be used in small amounts in soups, stews marinades, teas, sausage, pork marinades. It give an original flavor to beer and cheeses. It is used in the Swiss green cheese Schabzieger and in Gruyère.