The rate of emergence, time of the first mainstem leaf appearance, phyllochron and branch initiation and inflorescence development were quantified for balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum). Thermal time requirement was ~57 degree days (°Cd) for 50% final emergence, 111 °Cd for first leaf, 54 °Cd for phyllochron and 230 °Cd for branch initiation all above a base temperature of 0 °C. Each inflorescence required 380 °Cd from pollination to reach physiological maturity and a further 270 °Cd until all seeds were dark within pods, an indicator of harvest maturity. These values are transferable to different locations and can be used to define best management practices to maintain balansa clover in a grazed pasture or for seed production.