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Annual Biennial

Vicia sativa
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

common vetch

The common vetch is a downy, scrambling annual that reaches 75cm in height. Leaves are composed of pairs of opposite leaflets and end with a tendril. Cerise flowers, 2-3cm across, in typical pea shape form, are borne singly or in pairs from April to September

Other common names
fetch
fetches
see morefitches
lintels
lints
tare
spring vetch

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Purple Green
Summer Pink Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Climbing
Genus

Vicia are annuals, herbaceous perennials or climbers; leaves may be simple or divided into many small leaflets, often ending in a tendril. The yellow, purple, white or pink, pea-like flowers are produced in small clusters on the stem or in larger, upright sprays

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Occurs naturally in well-drained locations, especially sandy soils. As a legume, this vetch is used as a green manure to fix nitrogen in the soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Scarification may be necessary to break dormancy

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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