The plant species known as common vetch has the scientific name Vicia sativa. It belongs to the Fabaceae family of plants. This annual herb is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The stems of common vetch can grow up to 2 meters in length and have a climbing or trailing habit. Its leaves are pinnate with 4 to 12 leaflet pairs. The leaflets have an oblong shape. This plant produces flowers that are small and resemble peas. They are typically purple, pink, or white in color. The flowers grow in dense clusters at the end of the stems. Common vetch makes pods containing multiple seeds. The seeds are little, round, and usually brown or black. Livestock often eat them, and humans consume them in certain cultures. When it comes to growing common vetch, it is relatively easy to cultivate and adapts to diverse soil types. Well-drained soil is preferred, and it can handle both acidic and alkaline conditions. It grows best in cool seasons, so it is usually planted in fall or early spring. In summary, common vetch is a versatile plant valued for enriching soil fertility and providing nutritious animal feed.
Common vetch
- Scientific name
- Vicia sativa
Basic Information
- Fabaceae Family Vicia Genus Common vetch Species
- Fabaceae > Vicia > Vicia sativa
- 83%
- The Completeness of This Encyclopedia
Please help us complete the encyclopedia, Terrarium is a encyclopedia service to be completed with everyone in the world. Currently, this page is 83% complete. For more information on how to contribute, please click here.
- Annual
- Forb/herb
- Height
- 50cm ~ 100cm
- Flower Color
- Leaf Color
- Anthesis
- spring, summer
- Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun Long hours of sunlight from morning to afternoon Partial Shade A location in the shade of a tree or where either the morning or afternoon is shaded Full Shade A place where there is no direct sunlight
- Full Sun
- Hardiness Zones
This is an indicator to know to which zone each plant can winter. Knowing the zone of each plant gives you an idea of the cold temperature resistance when grown in the ground without a roof. 2: -42.7 to -40.0 3: -39.9 to -34.4 4: -34.3 to -28.9 5: -28.8 to -23.3 6: -23.2 to -17.8 7: -17.7 to -12.2 8: -12.1 to -6.7 9: -6.6 to -1.1 10: -1.0 to 4.4 11: 4.5 to 10.0
- 6
- Cold resistance
- Fair
- Heat resistance
- Fair
- Habitat of origin
- Europe
- Growth Rate
- Fast
What is Common vetch (Vicia sativa)?
What is Common vetch (Vicia sativa)
Flower meaning
The language used in American cultures for the flora called Common vetch has not been thoroughly documented. However, it is crucial to observe that the lexicon of posies may differ contingent on societal and chronological situations. Broadly, the lexicon of posies constitutes a mode to relay sentiments and communications utilizing specific blooms or floral preparations. Here are a few models of the lexicon of posies frequently utilized in America: 1. Red Rose: Represents amour and fervor. It is regularly connected with romantic relationships and is a well-known alternative for Valentine's Day. 2. Lily of the Valley: Denotes sweetness and purity. It is frequently utilized in bridal bouquets and represents felicity and good fortune. 3. Sunflower: Symbolizes adoration and allegiance. It is frequently allied with warmth, elation, and positivity.
Calendar of Common vetch (Vicia sativa)
Calendar
Common vetch (Vicia sativa) is a plant that typically flowers in the spring and summer in America. The flowering times can be different in regions and weather. In late spring or early summer, the plant has many colorful flowers. The flowering lasts some time for bright flowers. For more time blooming, give the plant sun, water, and food. Also, removing dead flowers can help new growth and longer blooming. Overall, Common vetch has pretty flowers and can improve gardens and land.
How to grow Common vetch (Vicia sativa)
Watering
Common vetch, also known as Vicia sativa, requires regular watering to thrive. Deciduous trees are in a physiological state with no leaves. The optimal frequency of watering depends on the season and soil conditions. During the growing season, which typically occurs in spring and early summer, the strong cactus should be watered every 7-10 days. This frequency ensures that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. In hot and dry climates, more frequent watering may be necessary to prevent drought stress. When watering, it is important to provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root zone. A general guideline is to provide 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. However, this amount may vary depending on soil type and drainage. It is crucial to monitor soil moisture levels and adjust watering accordingly. During the dormant season, which occurs in late summer and fall, watering can be reduced to once every 2-3 weeks. This allows the plant to enter a period of rest and prepares it for winter dormancy. In summary, Common vetch should be watered every 7-10 days during the growing season, providing 1 inch of water per week. During the dormant season, watering can be reduced to once every 2-3 weeks. Monitoring soil moisture levels and adjusting watering accordingly is essential for the plant's health.
Soil and Fertilizer
Across wide variety of earth conditions, Common vetch, the Vicia sativa, grows well. For optimal development, a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 balanced feed, with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is suggested, before placing into soil. Use 50 to 100 pounds per acre, mixed in at four to six inch depth. Usually apply once before planting, but a second time may help if soil is poor or plant seems lacking nutrients. Check soil regularly to adjust amounts.
Sunlight and Place
Common vetch, a plant commonly found in milder climates, exhibits fairly here is the capability endure temperatures as low as -10°C. possible for, outside hot climates during plant has limited heat stand. The better high desert ranges at 15°C to 25°C. Throughout the summer, it wise furnish some shadow defend plant at that of extreme part. Within of terms sunlight, Common vetch prefers full sun showing, needing this minimum related to 6 hours direct sunlight daily suitable spread. Under colder regions, Common vetch along sow found that usual spring otherwise late whether to overwinter. That is important ensure well-drained where especially avoid waterlogging, once excessive part negatively impingement upon plant rise. After reflect placement, I is recommended plant Common vetch into spaces toward proper breeze circulate keep each development associated with fungal diseases. Around summary, Common vetch thrives inside mild climates with fairly part endurance, quantity heat endurance, but any preference regarding full sun showing. Plant requires well-drained where, enough breeze circulate, also lead minimum forwarding to 6 hours related with direct sunlight during every day regarding proper spread.
Advanced Information of Common vetch (Vicia sativa)
Pruning
Common vetch needs no regular pruning. But pruning helps air flow or removes damaged parts. Prune in early spring before flowers. Use clean shears for clean cuts over leaf or bud. Take away dead or sick branches and suckers. After, dispose of pruned stuff to stop disease spread. Proper care like water and fertilizer helps recovery. Check plant health to see if more pruning is needed later.
Planting and Harvest
Common vetch, also known as Vicia sativa, is a plant that can be potted or planted in the ground. Choose a pot with particles going through for preventing water remaining. Fill container with well draining media, departing sufficient region for the origins. Place cutting in container, verifying that origins are distributed and enveloped. Water thoroughly after planting, and site in share of sunlight. If planting in terrain, make terrain ready by eliminating any undesirable development. Delve a depression deep enough for origins. Place cutting in depression, ensuring origins are distributed out and covered over. Water thoroughly after transplantation, and give pillar if necessary. When shift container size, select a larger one permitting root development. Delicately extract plant from current container, being careful not to injury roots. Put in new container, confirming roots are extended and enveloped. Water thoroughly after re-potting. Improper tending can guide to the decline. It is essential to furnish sufficient hydration, sunlight, nutrients for thriving. Regularly inspect for invaders or disease and take appropriate gauges. Pruning can help uphold form and promote robust growth.
Propagation
Common vetch possesses various techniques to propagate like putting seeds in the ground, taking apart clumps, utilizing cuttings from stems, and employing cuttings from leaves. To use seeds, allow them to fully mature and dry out before removing them from the plant. Scatter them on prepared earth when it's springtime or autumn. Keep the ground damp until young shoots emerge, which takes around 7-14 days typically. To divide clumps, carefully dig up the entire plant and break the clumps into smaller pieces, making sure each has roots. Replant the divided sections somewhere fitting, and give them normal watering until they take hold. For stem cuttings, take healthy 4-6 inch pieces and strip the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting agent and place in draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and give indirect sunlight until roots grow. Leaf cuttings can also propagate new plants. Take a good leaf and cut it into pieces, ensuring each has a vein. Put the leaf bits in draining soil and keep it damp until new sprouts come up. Once seeds are fully ripe and dry, harvesting can happen. Cut off the seed heads and let them dry more before removing the seeds.
Pests and Diseases
Common vetch (Vicia sativa) is susceptible to several pests and diseases. Requires good air circulation around the plants, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected plant parts to prevent powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers leading to stunted growth, reduced yield, and even death of the plant. Also requires well-drained soil and avoids overwatering and practicing crop rotation to prevent root rot. Root rot causes wilting, yellowing of leaves, and death of the plant. This plant is also susceptible to aphids, small sap-sucking insects. Aphids can cause curling of leaves, stunted growth, and transmitting viral diseases. Natural predators like ladybugs can be introduced and insecticidal soaps or oils can be used as a last resort to control aphids. Proper cultural practices help prevent diseases and pests in this plant.
Habitat of Common vetch (Vicia sativa)
Habitat
Toxicity of Common vetch (Vicia sativa)
Health Benefits
- edible
- edible
- Toxic
- No toxicity
NO DATA
Toxic for dogs and cats
NO DATA
Q&A of Common vetch (Vicia sativa)
- What Are the Differences Between Common Vetch and Hairy Vetch?
Common vetch (Vicia sativa) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) belong to Vicia genus for plants. However, they show some differences. Common vetch, known as garden vetch, grows to about 2 feet high. It has pink-purple blooms and smooth, long seed pods. Hairy vetch is a strong, annual winter plant. It can grow to 6 feet tall. It has hairy stems and leaves, and purple-blue flowers. Its seed pods are also hairy and somewhat curved. Also, hairy vetch is frequently used to improve soil. It can add nitrogen to the soil.
0
0
- Is Common Vetch Considered an Invasive Species?
Common vetch, scientifically known as Vicia sativa, is not typically classified as an invasive species. However, it can become issue in certain problems due to its rapid growth and ability to outcompete native plants. It's important to manage its growth to prevent potential ecological issues that may occur in some areas.
0
0
- What Do Common Vetch Seed Pods Look Like?
Common vetch seed pods. Scientifically known Vicia sativa, measure usually about 2 to 6 cm in length. Are green at first, then turn black. The pods with quite a few round to oval-shaped seeds often black or brown. The smooth covering of the pods in a line in the pod. These give them easily recognizable. Note appearance can change based on growing conditions.
0
0
- How to Identify Common Vetch Leaves?
Common vetch leaves, scientifically known as Vicia sativa, can be identified by their unique characteristics. The leaves have multiple parts arranged on either side of a central stem. Each leaf has oblong smooth sections that are typically dark green with a point at one end. Also, the leaves of the common vetch have tendrils which are used for climbing.
0
0
- Is there a recommended way to choose Common vetch?
Common vetch, known as Vicia sativa, can be utilized for feed, soil coverage, and reducing erosion. With selecting varieties of common vetch, consider how to use it and details of each variety. For feed, choose qualities that produce high biomass and good palatability for animals. Popular feed types include 'Cahaba White', 'Common', and 'VNS'. If looking for soil coverage, select qualities that can fix nitrogen well and reduce weeds effectively. 'Oregon' and 'Crown' are often used for this. When buying common vetch seeds, ensure high quality, disease free, and high sprouting rate. For seedlings, select healthy plants with developed root systems. Note that common vetch can spread in some areas, so check with local experts before planting.
0
0
- Is Common Vetch Classified as a Weed?
Common vetch, scientifically known as Vicia sativa, is not typically classified as a weed. Several vetch species can become inclined to spread widely and compete with crops. For example, Vicia sativa may exhibit weed-like behavior when growing among agricultural crops. Under such conditions, it can use resources needed by the crops. However, vetch is not globally considered a weed plant. Its weed potential depends on the situation.
0
0