The growing ability of pasture species during the cool season is a key factor in the Mediterranean basin. This study assessed the variation of dry matter yield (DMY) during autumn and winter in subterranean clover strains from Sardinia. The results evidenced that wide variation exists among strains for DMY in the cool season. Earliness did not appear an essential factor to obtain high early production in absolute terms, although it influenced the yield distribution pattern. Seedling density at the break of the season mostly affected autumn yield but had minor influence on the subsequent cold-season yield.