Species spring vetch
purple flowers with purple sepals, and creamy green stem

spring vetch

Lathyrus vernus

Spring vetch is a flowering plant that belongs to the legume family, native to Europe and Asia. With beautiful blooms that range in hues from light pink to white, this plant attracts a variety of pollinators. Growing up to 18 inches tall, the foliage has a low, shrubby form and produces fine leaflets. It flowers from May to July, and in fall the seed pods are harvested to feed livestock and wildlife as well as for their ornamental value. With its brilliant blooms and easy-care needs, spring vetch is a delightful choice for filling sunny garden spaces.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Layering Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Blue/violet Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Fruits:

brown,black Fruits Ready In Spring

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Spring vetch (Lathyrus vernus) should be watered once a week, using up to 1 inch of water per week. The soil around the plant should be kept moist but not soggy. Make sure to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot or stunted growth. Watering should be done in the morning, while temperatures are cool, which will help prevent fungal diseases and evaporation. If potted, always add the water to a tray, rather than directly onto the soil, to allow for good drainage.

sunlight

Spring vetch (Lathyrus vernus) is a legume that requires plenty of sunlight in order to thrive. It should be grown in full sun, which usually means 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to provide some afternoon shade, especially during the hottest months. It's also beneficial to mulch around the spring vetch to help retain moisture and discourage weeds. Spring vetch tolerates light shade but will not produce as many flowers or as much foliage.

pruning

Spring vetch should be pruned lightly and regularly. It should be pruned back after the first blooms to encourage new growth and to keep the plant growing at a healthy rate. It should be pruned back each year at the end of winter, before the new growth starts appearing in early spring. Cut back the flowering stems to about 3 inches in length; this will help prevent the plant from setting seed if desired. Pruning any flowers that are done blooming will also promote new growth. Furthermore, any dead or dying stems should be removed immediately to prevent disease.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Spring vetch typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Lathyrus vernus typically begins in April and continues through June.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Lathyrus vernus typically begins in April and continues through June.

Hardiness Map