Hairy Vetch (Vicia hirsuta) is a climbing annual legume renowned for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, making it an invaluable component in agroecological and regenerative agriculture systems. It plays a crucial role in the herbaceous layer of food forests, contributing to soil fertility and structure. Hairy Vetch produces small, delicate leaves and clusters of tiny, pale purple flowers that attract pollinators. Historically, it has been used as a cover crop to suppress weeds, prevent erosion, and enhance soil organic matter when used as green manure. It is often paired with cereal grains like rye or oats in cover crop mixtures to maximize soil health benefits. Its ability to fix nitrogen reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, supporting a more sustainable farming approach.
Growing Details
Hairy Vetch should be sown in early spring or late summer to early fall. It thrives in well-drained, loamy soils but is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Prior to planting, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility and structure. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like rye or oats can be sown alongside to enhance nitrogen fixation and soil structure. Avoid sowing in overly wet conditions
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Vicia hirsuta</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe, North Africa, and western A
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of July for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The seeds of Hairy Vetch are primarily used as livestock fodder due to potential toxicity in humans. They should be used with caution and not consumed in large quantities.
Medicinal Rating:
(0/5)
medicinal uses:
health concerns: Hairy Vetch seeds contain compounds that can be toxic to humans and animals if consumed in large quantities. It is advisable to avoid ingestion by humans.
other uses: Hairy Vetch is primarily used as a cover crop and green manure. It can also be used for forage, though with caution due to potential toxicity.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Vicia hirsuta
common names: Hairy Vetch; Tiny Vetch; Fodder Vetch
family: Fabaceae
sub family: Faboideae
tribe: Vicieae
sub tribe:
genus: Vicia
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(6/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 1 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 0.6 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Hairy Vetch should be sown in early spring or late summer to early fall. It thrives in well-drained, loamy soils but is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils. Prior to planting, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility and structure. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like rye or oats can be sown alongside to enhance nitrogen fixation and soil structure. Avoid sowing in overly wet conditions
Potential Disturbances: Hairy Vetch is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by aphids and fungal diseases in overly wet conditions. Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help repel aphids. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap as organic treatments for pest control.
Growth Timeline
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