The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Vicia cracca is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.
tufted vetch
Vicia cracca
Also Known As - bird vetchTufted vetch (Vicia cracca) is a fast-growing annual flowering plant native to Eurasia and North Africa. It's usually found in sunny, well-drained habitats, such as meadows, roadsides, and waste ground. This species has erect stems of up to 0.2 m, and highly branched foliage with narrow leaflets. The flowers are dark purple, small, and short-lived. They are held in axillary clusters, forming long, dense spikes. Tufted vetch is widely cultivated for its quality hay, fodder, and seed. In addition, it is often used as a green manure crop, cover crop, and bee forage.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3
Flowers:
Showy, Violet Flowers In Spring
Sun:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Fruits:
brown,black Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,purple
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Tufted vetch (Vicia cracca) should be watered 1-2 times per week, depending on soil type and climate. If possible, water at the soil level rather than from above to avoid wetting the leaves. Generally, it needs approximately 1 inch of water per week, either in 1 deep watering or split into 2 or 3 smaller waterings. Make sure the soil is evenly moist but not soggy, and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. It's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other diseases. Additionally, adding a layer of mulch to the soil will help it retain moisture and keep weeds down, as well as add organic matter to the soil.
sunlight
Tufted vetch (Vicia cracca) thrives best in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade, meaning it needs to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally from a south or southwest-facing window. In winter months, tufted vetch may not receive as much direct sunlight, but if the plant is placed near a south or southwest-facing window, it can still absorb enough sunlight to survive. Additionally, if the plant is placed near a window that receives a full 8 hours of sunlight during the summer months, tufted vetch can maximize its growth potential.
pruning
Tufted vetch (Vicia cracca) should be pruned back every 1 to 2 years in early spring before growth begins. To prune, remove the oldest shoots and thin at the top and sides for the best air circulation. You may also remove a few more stems if needed to keep the plant shape. You may also remove flowering stems to encourage additional flowering. Regular pruning also helps the plant maintain a stronger and denser growth habit.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Tufted vetch typically starts flowering in April or May.
Harvest Fruit
The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Vicia cracca is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.
