Vicia villosa. Hardy Annual. This nitrogen fixer is a lanky and sprawling, but versatile legume that is fairly tolerant of acid soils and light shade. It can be mowed down in spring to supply good mulch. Hardy to Zone 4: -34°C (-30°F). 500g covers approximately 145 m2 (1,560 ft²). Sow Hairy Vetch cover crop seeds from early March to mid-April, and again August to mid-September.
NOTE: Hairy Vetch seeds are toxic to chickens, so plant out of the way of foraging flocks or cut the vetch while it is just flowering.
(Open-pollinated seeds)
Details
Botanical Name
Vicia villosa
Common Name
Hairy Vetch
Hardiness Zone
- 4
Appearance
Max Height
Max Spread
Plant Form
Foliage Colour
- Green
Fall Colour
Flower Colour
- Purple
Edible
Edible Component
Edible Harvest Period
Edible Use
Fruit Colour
Growing
Flowering Period
Moisture
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Maintenance
Deer Resistance
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