Winter Tares
Vicia sativa leucospermafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. ED2B — Vicia sativa leucosperma
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IOverview
Overview
Winter Tares (Vicia sativa leucosperma) is an annual plant belonging to the Fabaceae family and can be found in regions such as Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, and parts of Asia. This vine or herb grows up to 1.2 meters tall and thrives in light to partial shade with moist soil that is either sandy, medium, or clay-based. Known for its edible leaves, shoots, and seeds, it has a hardiness range of zones 4-8. Additionally, Winter Tares has documented medicinal uses and is often cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its distinctive growth habit and light requirements.
Quick answers
What is Winter Tares?
Winter Tares (Vicia sativa leucosperma) is an annual plant belonging to the Fabaceae family and can be found in regions such as Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, and parts of Asia. This vine or herb grows up to 1.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontincture
Traditional use for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Winter Tares thrive in full sun to partial shade and require moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). They are hardy in temperate regions with zones 4-8 and grow as annual vines or forbs/herbs reaching up to 1.2 meters tall. Propagate by seed directly sown into the garden bed. Ensure the soil pH is between 6 and 7 for best growth. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Vine, Forb/herb
Mature size
1.2 m tall
Soil pH
6–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Winter Tares for the first time
8steps
Start with Winter Tares as an easy-to-grow annual for beginners, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden plot or container, soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with light to partial sun. Ensure well-draining soil with a pH of 6-7.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spacing them about 20 cm apart. Alternatively, start seedlings indoors and transplant when they have two sets of true 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, ensure consistent moisture, and mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent leggy stems. Harvest leaves and shoots when young.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soils, neglecting support for climbing vines, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Cover cropDynamic accumulatorNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyRussiaSpain
Asia6 regions
native (6)AfghanistanBangladeshIndiaIranIraqKazakhstan
Africa1 region
native (1)Egypt
Broader regions
native:Altay, Buryatiya, Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Gulf States, Irkutsk, Kamchatka
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
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