Vicia villosa
TAXONOMY
FamilyFabaceae
GenusVicia
Zone4
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Vicia villosa, commonly known as hairy vetch, is a leguminous plant native to Europe and Western Asia. It is often used as a cover crop due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. The plant has a vining habit and produces purple flowers. It typically goes dormant in the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Ervum Villosum
Hairy Vetch
Cracca villosa
Vicia boissieri
Vicia consentina
Vicia elegantissima
Vicia glabrescens
Vicia godronii
Vicia polyphylla
Vicia villosa var. villosa
Vicia vulcanica
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature18° C
Humidity60%
GDD2,250
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Hairy vetch thrives in full sun and requires moderate temperatures. It prefers moderate humidity and should be watered when the soil partially dries out. The plant is relatively easy to care for but does require some attention to pruning and support as it grows.Harvest
Vicia villosa, commonly known as hairy vetch, is typically harvested when the pods are fully developed but before they shatter, which usually occurs in late spring to early summer. To harvest, cut the plants at the base and allow them to dry in the field for a few days before threshing to separate the seeds. Ensure that the plants are harvested before the seeds are fully mature to prevent seed loss due to pod shattering. Additionally, it is important to monitor the weather conditions to avoid harvesting during wet periods, which can affect seed quality.Soil
Hairy vetch prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in fertile, well-drained soils. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant at the beginning of the growing season and again mid-season to support its growth and nitrogen-fixing capabilities.Repotting
Repot hairy vetch when it outgrows its container or if the soil becomes compacted. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage and fresh loamy soil. Repotting is best done in the early spring before the growing season begins.Propagation
Hairy vetch can be propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds in early spring or late summer directly into the soil. Ensure the seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist until germination occurs.Pruning
Prune hairy vetch regularly to control its vining habit and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems and trim back excessive growth to maintain the plant's shape. Pruning is best done in the early spring or late fall.Toxicity
Hairy vetch is not considered toxic to pets or humans. However, as with any plant, it is best 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 health and prevent erosion. It is also beneficial for attracting pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden.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
