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Old Cobblers Farm™ Hairy Vetch
$100.00
Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa)
Seed Type & Composition
Hairy Vetch is a vigorous, cold-hardy annual legume renowned for its nitrogen-fixing properties and soil improvement benefits. Valued in sustainable agriculture and organic gardening, it enhances soil fertility, suppresses weeds, and prevents erosion. The small, round seeds range from dark brown to black and are well-suited for various temperate climates and soil types.
As a legume, Hairy Vetch works symbiotically with Rhizobium bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil naturally. Its dense vining growth provides excellent ground cover, adding organic matter, improving soil texture, and supporting moisture retention.
Label Information
| Component | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity (%) | ≥ 95% |
| Germination (%) | ≥ 80% |
| Weed Seed (%) | ≤ 0.5% |
| Other Crop Seed (%) | ≤ 1% |
| Inert Matter (%) | ≤ 2% |
| Noxious Weeds | None |
| Lot Number | Provided on packaging |
| Test Date | Within 12 months of sale |
| Origin | North America / Europe (regionally sourced) |
Geographic & USDA Zone Suitability
USDA Zones: 3 – 10
Best Regions: Temperate zones of North America, Europe, Asia
Climate Fit: Cold-tolerant; thrives in temperate climates with moderate rainfall
Winter Hardiness: Survives winter in Zones 3–5 with fall planting
Sunlight Tolerance
Optimal: Full sun (6+ hours/day)
Tolerant: Partial shade (minimum 3–4 hours/day)
Best Performance: Maximum nitrogen fixation and biomass in full sun
Soil Compatibility
| Soil Type | Performance |
|---|---|
| Clay | Tolerates clay with good drainage |
| Loam | Ideal — supports vigorous growth |
| pH Range | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Drainage | Requires well-drained soil; sensitive to waterlogging |
Watering & Drought Requirements
Establishment Phase: Requires consistently moist soil for germination
Mature Plant: Moderately drought-tolerant; thrives with natural rainfall
Watering Tip: Fall planting in moist soil reduces need for supplemental irrigation
Germination & Growth Pattern
Germination Time: 7 – 14 days
Growth Habit: Vining/sprawling annual; can reach 2–3 feet in height
Spread: Dense mat-forming vines with compound leaves and purple flowers
Seasonality: Fall-planted cover crop; resumes growth in spring for nitrogen fixation and weed suppression
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing Time: At full bloom for maximum nitrogen fixation (late spring)
Height to Mow: Leave 3–4 inches for regrowth or terminate after bloom for green manure
Maintenance Needs:
Low maintenance once established
No fertilization needed
Monitor for weeds and occasional pests
Water during prolonged dry spells in establishment phase
Foot Traffic Durability & Recovery
Durability: Low — not suited for regular foot traffic
Recovery: Poor — vines are delicate; not a suitable turf substitute
Best Planting Time
Primary: Fall (30–45 days before first frost) for overwintering
Secondary: Early spring in frost-free periods
Seeding Depth: 0.5 – 1 inch
Seeding Rate:
Broadcast: 20 – 40 lbs per acre
Drilled: 15 – 20 lbs per acre
Pest, Disease & Weed Resistance
| Category | Common Issues | Resistance Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Pests | Aphids, cutworms | Minimal pest pressure under proper management |
| Diseases | Root rot, powdery mildew (in poor drainage) | Naturally resistant if planted in well-drained soil |
| Weeds | Competes well with weeds | Dense canopy effectively suppresses weed growth |
Appearance
Color: Lush green foliage with purple blooms at maturity
Texture: Soft, hairy stems and leaves
Leaf Shape: Compound leaves with multiple small, oval leaflets
Quantity