Photo: "Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), between Dreieich-Offenthal and Urberach, Germany" by Robert Flogaus-Faust · CC BY 4.0

Hairy vetch · Winter-cover-legume

Hairy vetch cover crop stands

Annual · Fabaceae

Hairy vetch is a winter legume cover crop grown for nitrogen fixation and spring biomass, often in mixes with winter rye. It vines aggressively, protects bare ground well, and makes a useful fertility-building cover when terminated before seed set. It suits gardeners who want a classic overwintering legume and are willing to manage its vigorous growth.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

60–90 days

Sun

6+ hours

full sun 6-8 hours

Spacing

6–12 "

Seed Start

0 weeks

before transplant

Container

Not Ideal

5+ gallon pot

Height

0.5–4 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 5–14 days

Optimal Temp 65°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Watering

Weekly Water 0.75–1.25 "

Needs Moderate

Method Base watering

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Soil Type Average to moderately fertile, well-drained soil; most of these crops do not need rich feeding.

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: High Drought: Moderate

Common Problems

damping-off

Cause: Cold, wet seedbeds or overly dense sowing can kill seedlings.

Prevention: Use clean seed, shallow sowing, and thin dense stands.

powdery-mildew

Cause: Late-season humidity can coat foliage and blooms.

Prevention: Improve airflow and avoid crowding.

overgrowth

Cause: Vigorous spring vines can smother neighboring crops if left too long.

Prevention: Terminate before seed set and before transplanting summer vegetables.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity None feeder

Harvest

Terminate at early bloom for easy incorporation and maximum tenderness.

Expected Yield 0 lbs/plant

Storage Not normally stored; use as mulch or incorporation residue the same day.

Sources

seed_catalog Ritchie Feed & Seed seed_catalog Epic Gardening university Extension source

Hairy vetch cover crop stands Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Hairy vetch cover crop stands vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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