Vicia sativa
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
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H7Botanical 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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