Natural Nitrogen Fixation
Forms a beneficial association with soil bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms, supporting soil fertility.
Hairy Vetch Seeds for Sale
Suitable for home gardening use
Regular price
Rs. 16.99 INR
Sale price
Rs. 16.99 INR
Regular price
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Product description
Hairy Vetch Seeds
Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa) is a cool-season annual legume widely grown as a cover crop, green manure, and forage plant. Known for its vigorous growth, climbing stems, and attractive purple to violet flowers, it is valued for improving soil fertility and supporting sustainable gardening and farming. Hairy Vetch develops a deep root system and forms a beneficial relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, helping add nitrogen to the soil when the crop is incorporated or managed appropriately. It is an excellent choice for cover cropping, soil improvement, and agricultural planting.
Nitrogen-Fixing Legume
Purple Flowers
Cover Crop
Soil Improvement
Key Features
Attractive Purple Flowers
Produces clusters of beautiful purple to violet flowers that add seasonal color and attract pollinators.
Excellent Cover Crop
Develops dense vegetation that helps protect soil, reduce erosion, and suppress unwanted weed growth.
Vigorous Growing Habit
Produces spreading and climbing stems with abundant foliage, making it useful for agricultural cover cropping and green manure applications.
Product Highlights
Botanical name: Vicia villosa
Cool-season annual legume
Naturally fixes atmospheric nitrogen
Produces purple to violet flowers
Excellent winter cover crop
Suitable for green manure production
Helps protect soil against erosion
Supports pollinators and beneficial insects
Specifications
| Scientific Name | Vicia villosa |
| Common Name | Hairy Vetch; Winter Vetch; Woollypod Vetch |
| Plant Family | Fabaceae (Legume Family) |
| Seed Type | Cover Crop and Green Manure Seeds |
| Plant Type | Cool-season Annual Legume |
| Growth Habit | Spreading and climbing herbaceous vine |
| Flower Color | Purple to Violet |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Generally suitable for USDA Zones 4–9, depending on cultivar and growing conditions |
| Planting Season | Late summer to autumn in suitable climates; spring planting is possible in cooler regions |
| Seed Starting | Direct sowing outdoors is recommended |
| Germination Time | Approximately 7–14 days under favorable conditions |
| Germination Temperature | Approximately 10–25°C (50–77°F) |
| Sunlight | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements | Well-drained loamy or sandy loam soil; tolerates a range of soil conditions |
| Watering | Maintain moderate soil moisture during establishment; established plants tolerate some dry conditions |
| Mature Plant Height | Approximately 30–90 cm (12–36 inches), with longer climbing stems when supported |
| Plant Spacing | Broadcast or drill according to the intended cover crop seeding rate and planting purpose |
Growing Guide
Step 1: Choose the Right Planting Time
Hairy Vetch grows best during cool weather. Sow seeds in late summer or autumn in regions with suitable growing conditions. Spring planting can also work in cooler climates where the growing season allows sufficient development.
Hairy Vetch grows best during cool weather. Sow seeds in late summer or autumn in regions with suitable growing conditions. Spring planting can also work in cooler climates where the growing season allows sufficient development.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Select a sunny location with well-drained soil. Remove existing weeds and loosen the upper soil layer to create a suitable seedbed. Avoid areas where water collects for extended periods.
Select a sunny location with well-drained soil. Remove existing weeds and loosen the upper soil layer to create a suitable seedbed. Avoid areas where water collects for extended periods.
Step 3: Sow the Seeds
Scatter Hairy Vetch Seeds evenly over the prepared planting area or sow them in shallow rows. Cover seeds with approximately 1–2 cm of soil and gently press the surface to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Scatter Hairy Vetch Seeds evenly over the prepared planting area or sow them in shallow rows. Cover seeds with approximately 1–2 cm of soil and gently press the surface to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Step 4: Water and Support Growth
Water gently after sowing to maintain consistent moisture during germination. Once established, the plants generally require less frequent watering, depending on rainfall and soil conditions.
Water gently after sowing to maintain consistent moisture during germination. Once established, the plants generally require less frequent watering, depending on rainfall and soil conditions.
Step 5: Manage the Growing Crop
Allow the plants to develop healthy foliage and flowering according to your intended use. For green manure, cut and incorporate the crop before mature seeds develop. Allow sufficient time for the plant material to decompose before planting the next crop. Prevent unwanted reseeding by managing the crop before seed pods mature.
Allow the plants to develop healthy foliage and flowering according to your intended use. For green manure, cut and incorporate the crop before mature seeds develop. Allow sufficient time for the plant material to decompose before planting the next crop. Prevent unwanted reseeding by managing the crop before seed pods mature.
Improve Your Soil Naturally with Hairy Vetch
Hairy Vetch is a valuable addition to sustainable gardening and agricultural practices. With its nitrogen-fixing ability, vigorous foliage, and beautiful purple flowers, it offers multiple benefits as a cover crop and green manure plant. Grow Hairy Vetch to help protect your soil, support soil fertility, and encourage a healthier growing environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find helpful answers about Hairy Vetch seed germination, nitrogen fixation, planting seasons, and cover crop benefits.
How does Hairy Vetch improve soil fertility?
Hairy Vetch is a nitrogen-fixing legume that forms a partnership with beneficial Rhizobium bacteria in its root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that contribute to soil fertility. When the crop is cut and incorporated into the soil, its decomposing plant material can release nitrogen and organic matter for subsequent crops.
When should Hairy Vetch be planted for the best results?
Hairy Vetch is generally planted in late summer or autumn in regions with suitable cool-season growing conditions. It can also be planted in spring in cooler climates. The ideal sowing time depends on local temperatures, rainfall, and the intended use as a cover crop or green manure.
Can Hairy Vetch be used as a green manure cover crop?
Yes. Hairy Vetch is widely used as a green manure and cover crop. Its vigorous growth helps protect the soil, suppress weeds, and contribute organic matter. It can be cut and incorporated into the soil before mature seed pods develop. Allow the plant material to decompose before sowing the next crop. Avoid allowing it to produce unwanted seeds, as it can become difficult to manage.