Vicia tenuifolia
Vicia tenuifolia · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant vicia tenuifolia: 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, violet-lilac flowers
- Adult size
- 60 to 100 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates poor soils
Care
Watering
Water moderately during prolonged dry spells, especially during the growth phase. This vetch is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Avoid waterlogging which could promote fungal diseases.
Light exposure
Plant it in full sun or partial shade. It will appreciate 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight for optimal flowering and vigorous growth.
Soil
Prefer well-drained, light to medium soil. Being a legume, it enriches the soil with nitrogen. It tolerates poor and even chalky soils, making it undemanding.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushy growth. You can cut the plant back in late autumn or winter depending on your climate.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is generally necessary. As a legume, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen. A light application in spring is enough if the soil is very poor.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust, it can be affected by powdery mildew or rust in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage. Aphids may occasionally infest it.
Vicia tenuifolia is a wild legume that plays a major ecological role: its root nodules contain symbiotic bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, naturally enriching soils. It was long used as a fodder plant in traditional agriculture to feed livestock, before gradually being replaced by more modern crops.
Did you know?
Vicia tenuifolia is a wild legume that plays a major ecological role: its root nodules contain symbiotic bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, naturally enriching soils. It was long used as a fodder plant in traditional agriculture to feed livestock, before gradually being replaced by more modern crops.
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.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.