Vicia hirsuta
TAXONOMY
FamilyFabaceae
GenusVicia
Zone5
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Vicia hirsuta, commonly known as hairy vetch, is a climbing annual plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been widely naturalized in other temperate regions. The plant is known for its hairy stems and leaves, and it produces small, pale blue to white flowers. It is often used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Cracca Minor
Ervilia Vulgaris
Ervum Filiforme
Ervum Hirsutum
Ervum Sardoum
Hairy Vetch
Cracca hirsuta
Endiusa hirsuta
Ervilia hirsuta
Vicia coreana
Vicia mitchellii
Vicia parviflora
Vicia taquetii
Vicia tenorei
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightMedium (6 Hours)
Temperature18° C
Humidity60%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Hairy vetch is relatively easy to care for. It prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from partial shade to full sun. The plant thrives in environments with moderate humidity and should be watered regularly to keep the soil partially moist. It is well-suited for outdoor growth in temperate climates.Soil
Hairy vetch prefers well-draining loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept partially moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions.Fertilizer
While hairy vetch can improve soil fertility on its own, a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10 can be applied to support its growth, especially in nutrient-poor soils. Fertilize sparingly, as the plant can fix its own nitrogen.Repotting
Hairy vetch is typically grown outdoors and does not require repotting. However, if grown in containers, repotting should be done annually to refresh the soil and provide adequate space for root growth.Propagation
Hairy vetch is easily propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds directly into the soil in early spring or fall. The seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep and spaced 2-4 inches apart. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.Pruning
Pruning is generally not required for hairy vetch. However, if the plant becomes too invasive or starts to smother other plants, it can be trimmed back to control its growth.Toxicity
Hairy vetch is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, as with any plant, it is advisable to prevent pets and children from ingesting large quantities.Additional
Hairy vetch is often used in agricultural settings as a cover crop to improve soil structure and fertility. It can also be used in gardens to provide ground cover and prevent soil erosion. The plant's nitrogen-fixing ability makes it a valuable addition to crop rotation systems.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
