Hairy vetchling
Vicia tetrasperma · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant hairy vetchling: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to July, violet to blue flowers
- Adult size
- 30 to 80 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Down to -15°C
- Origin
- Europe and Mediterranean region
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline
Care
Light Exposure
Plant your four-seeded vetch in full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. It tolerates sunny exposures well but appreciates some light shade in very hot regions. Avoid areas that are too shaded, as this will slow down flowering.
Watering
Water regularly during growth and flowering, keeping the soil constantly moist but without waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter. This herbaceous plant enjoys cool soil, particularly during hot periods.
Soil Preparation
Prepare rich, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter before planting. Vetch tolerates slightly alkaline soils. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pinch young plants to encourage bushy branching. Remove spent flowers to extend flowering. Clean up the plant at the end of the season before it naturally declines.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. As a member of the Fabaceae family, vetch fixes atmospheric nitrogen and requires little additional fertilization. Moderate feeding during growth is sufficient.
Diseases and Pests
Watch for aphids and spider mites, particularly in dry conditions. Gray mold can develop with excessive moisture and poor air circulation. Promote good air flow and avoid watering late in the day.
Did you know?
Four-seeded vetch was long cultivated as a green manure in agricultural crop rotations: as a legume, it naturally enriches soil with nitrogen. Its scientific name 'tetrasperma' literally means 'four seeds,' a distinctive characteristic of its tiny seed pods. This modest plant played a quiet but important role in sustainable agriculture in our regions.
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
- Black locustRobinia pseudoacacia
- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.