Species common vetch

common vetch

Vicia sativa

Common vetch (Vicia sativa) is a hardy plant species, native to Europe but naturalized throughout the world. It has a difficult start, but with proper care and attention becomes a fast growing vine with abundant saucer-shaped flowers. Its leaves are dark green, and its white flowers bloom in the spring and summer. Common vetch provides important nitrogen-fixation and is therefore often used in crop rotations and companion planting. It can also serve as an ideal pasture crop where grazing is practiced and can be combined with all common grass species. Once established, common vetch is quite resilient and can provide a year round mat of cover and forage for wildlife.

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

3

Flowers:

Showy, White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun only if soil kept moist, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

green,brown,black Fruits In Summer Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Broad bean (Vicia faba) plants should be watered regularly, aiming for an inch of water per week. The easiest way to ensure that your broad bean plants receive the necessary amount of water is to give them a deep soak every few days. This should be done by slowly and deeply watering the soil until it is damp to a depth of 12-24 inches (30-60 cm). Young, shallow rooted broad bean plants will need to be watered more frequently than established, deep-rooted plants. They may need to be watered daily to create a moist top layer of soil. Broadbean plants also benefit from occasional misting. This helps to promote healthier leaves and reduce wilting in extreme heat. If you live in an area with hot summer temperatures, mist the leaves in the morning or evening. In general, you should avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Always check the soil prior to watering to make sure it is dry before applying more water.

sunlight

Broad bean plants best thrive in direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day, but no more than 8 hours per day. If the plants are exposed to direct sunlight for longer than 8 hours, the broad bean plants may become weakened and susceptible to disease and pests. When planted in a spot with limited sunlight, the broad bean plants should be acclimated slowly over the first few days of exposure to ensure they can withstand extended periods of direct sunlight. During the summer months, the plants will appreciate some shade during the hottest parts of the day. Ultimately, the best location for a broad bean plant is 1 with access to 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight.

pruning

Broad beans should be pruned just before their flowering season. To promote a better yield of pods, remove any excess foliage up to 60-70cm from the ground. Do not remove more than 1 third of the total foliage at any given time. Pruning should take place in late April/May and any dangling stems should also be removed. Any infested, discoloured or damaged stems should be cut to the ground. This will then encourage fresh new stems to form, while also enhancing the air circulation.

Season

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

Starts Flowering

Harvest Fruit

Hardiness Map

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