Tufted Vetch
Vicia craccafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 1229 — Vicia cracca
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IOverview
Overview
Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) is a perennial vine and herb belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, and parts of Europe and Asia, this plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 4.9 and 7. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, it can grow up to 1.8 meters tall. Tufted Vetch is adaptable to various habitats within its native range, making it a versatile presence in diverse ecosystems. Its distinctive feature includes its light energy requirement, thriving in environments with moderate sunlight.
Quick answers
What is Tufted Vetch?
Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) is a perennial vine and herb belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, and parts of Europe and Asia, this plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 4.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tufted Vetch thrives in light to medium and heavy soils, preferring a pH between 4.9 and 7. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 4-8. This perennial vine or herb reaches up to 1.8 meters in height and requires moist conditions. For cultivation, provide it with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Propagate through seeds or division of established plants. Harvest the leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
4.9–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Tufted Vetch for the first time
8steps
Tufted Vetch is a hardy, easy-to-grow perennial that can be a great addition to any beginner's garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings of Tufted Vetch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or in early fall for a winter hardiness boost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure the pH is between 4.9 and 7.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in rows spaced about 30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have several sets of leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide support for climbing vines, mulch around the base to retain moisture, and prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or weak growth in late winter. Harvest leaves and seed pods as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting support structures for climbing vines.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Cover cropDynamic accumulatorNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandItalyRussiaSpainUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)China
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Føroyar
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 122987e1-a5ac-4dab-8f9a-11ca10edac76
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