Cover & Crops & Forages· Vicia villosa
Hairy Vetch Growing Guide
Winter-annual legume and one of the most effective nitrogen-fixing cover crops for temperate regions. Fixes 90-200 kg N/ha and produces dense biomass for weed suppression.
How Long Does Hairy Vetch Take to Grow?
Hairy Vetch is typically ready to harvest about 180 days after planting.
FAO. 2025. FAOSTAT: Production: Crops and livestock products. Accessed on 13 October 2026. https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL Licence: CC-BY-4.0.
Growing Conditions
Soil Requirements
Soil Type & pH
Best soil types: sandy loam, loam, sandy
pH range: 6 - 7 (optimal: 6.5)
Drainage: good
Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)
Planting Guide
Yield & Economics
Common Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
- aphids
- vetch bruchid
- pea weevil
Common Diseases
- downy mildew
- botrytis
- fusarium wilt
Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.
Growing Tips
Plant 4-6 weeks before first killing frost to allow adequate root development for winter survival.
Terminate at full bloom (typically mid-spring) for maximum nitrogen contribution; mow, roll, or incorporate before seed set to prevent volunteer issues.
Mix with a winter cereal (rye or oats) for mutual support — the cereal provides structure for the vine to climb and reduces lodging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Hairy Vetch take to grow?
Hairy Vetch typically takes 180 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 10 days. The best planting season is fall.
What soil does Hairy Vetch need?
Hairy Vetch grows best in sandy loam, loam, sandy soil with a pH of 6-7. Good drainage is required.
What temperature does Hairy Vetch need?
Hairy Vetch grows best at 5-22°C. Frost tolerance: high. Heat tolerance: low.
What is the expected yield for Hairy Vetch?
Across 26 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Hairy Vetch range from 210 to 11,430 kg dry matter/hectare, with a median of 1,590. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.
Key Agronomy Terms
Core farming concepts, explained in plain language.
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