Hairy Vetch, Legumes

Hairy Hairy Vetch Seed

Vigorous spring regrowth fixes substantial atmospheric nitrogen
Overwintering vines protect soil and suppress weeds
Mixes effectively with grains, grasses, or field peas
Incorporate before spring crops to release nutrients

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Vicia villosa

Days to maturity

60 Days

Sun

Full Sun

About Hairy, Hairy Vetch Seed, Hairy Vetch Seed

When sown late summer, the Hairy Vetch spring regrowth is vigorous and nitrogen-producing, for tilling in before planting spring garden crops. You can sow with or without grain, grass or field peas! The typical nitrogen produced of this legume is 100 lbs. per acre. The Hairy Vetch has rapid growth that makes it a good weed suppressant.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

5–14 days

Germination Type

I - Legume Inoculation

Row Spacing

Broadcast or Drill

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

84 inches

Growth Habits

Climbing, Vining, Spreading

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

1,250

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

For Hairy Vetch, select an open, sunny site with a firm, well-drained seedbed. Test the soil, correct pH and phosphorus or potassium deficiencies before planting, and control established weeds without overworking the surface. Inoculate hairy vetch seed with the correct fresh rhizobium strain when the crop or compatible legumes have not recently grown there.

Planting

Hairy Vetch is best direct-sown during its recommended seasonal window, when enough growing time remains for establishment. Broadcast or drill seed evenly, then roll or press the area to ensure firm seed-to-soil contact. Keep the surface moist until seedlings establish if rainfall is insufficient. These crops normally form a stand and are not thinned; use the separate seeding-rate guidance to control density.

Watering

Maintain moisture until hairy vetch forms a uniform stand. Established plantings usually need supplemental water only during extended dry periods; apply deeply and infrequently rather than keeping the surface constantly wet.

Fertilizer

Avoid routine nitrogen fertilizer on hairy vetch; healthy nodules normally supply the crop’s needs. Correct phosphorus, potassium, or pH deficiencies only as indicated by a soil test.

Harvesting

Hairy Vetch readiness depends on use: graze or cut while vegetative for quality forage, mow at early bloom for biomass, or allow seed to harden only when deliberate reseeding is desired.

Tips

Allow hairy vetch to sprawl through the stand rather than supporting it. Terminate around early bloom, before mature seed forms, when balancing nitrogen contribution with manageable residue.

AVG. Seeding Rate

1 lb./1,000 sq.ft.; 25–50 lb./acre

Pests & Diseases

Hairy vetch can develop Botrytis gray mold, downy mildew, anthracnose, and Fusarium root rot. Lodged, dense spring growth is especially prone to gray mold. Avoid excessive seeding rates, rotate legumes, and terminate badly diseased stands before flowering. Do not retain spotted or moldy seed for future planting.

Watch hairy vetch for aphids, weevils, beetles, cutworms, and mites. Remove egg clusters and badly infested foliage, protect seedlings with collars, and avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum insecticides.