Rough pea
Lathyrus hirsutus · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant rough pea: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to August
- Mature size
- 0.60 to 1.20 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean and southwestern regions
- Soil type
- Well-drained, undemanding
- Light requirements
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Watering
Prickly vetchling is an undemanding plant once established. Water regularly during the growing season to encourage good root establishment. During extended dry periods, weekly watering will suffice. Avoid waterlogging which could cause rot.
Exposure
Plant prickly vetchling in full sun for abundant flowering and compact growth. It tolerates partial shade as well, though flowering will be less prolific. Avoid heavily shaded areas which would promote leggy growth.
Soil
This legume adapts to many soil types, provided they are well-drained. Poor to average soil poses no problem and is even beneficial to limit excessive growth. Simply improve very compacted soil with compost or coarse sand.
Pruning and cutting
Cut back prickly vetchling after flowering to encourage branching and denser growth. In late autumn or the following spring, cut stems just above soil level. You can harvest flowers for bouquets while keeping at least half the plant intact.
Fertilizer
As a legume, prickly vetchling fixes atmospheric nitrogen and doesn't require nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Well-decomposed compost in spring is plenty. In very poor soil, a weak balanced NPK fertilizer is possible.
Diseases and pests
Prickly vetchling is generally hardy against diseases. Watch for powdery mildew in humid and warm conditions by thinning. Excess moisture can promote root rot: ensure good drainage. Aphids are rare but possible; treat with a water spray or mild treatment if needed.
Did you know?
Prickly vetchling, once grown as a cover crop and fodder in traditional agriculture, is also called rusty vetchling due to the rusty color of its hairy pods. It long served to enrich soil with nitrogen through its symbiotic fixation ability, making it a valuable ally in traditional crop rotation.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis
- Common broomCytisus scoparius
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- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.