Sow by late summer
30–40 days before frost.
Cover Crop SeedsHSC-COV-012-QTRLB
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Vicia villosa
60 - 300Days to maturity
A seed worth growing
Hairy Vetch Organic Cover Crop Seed
About this variety
A hardy legume for spring nitrogen.
Sow hairy vetch from spring to late summer, alone or with a grain, grass or field peas. Late-summer sowings regrow fast in spring, often supplying around 110 lb. of nitrogen per acre to work in before planting, and that quick growth also helps smother weeds.
It likes well-drained soil at pH 6.0–7.0, struggles in clay or wet fields, but tolerates soil too acidic for many clovers. Wait 2–3 weeks after working it in before sowing small-seeded crops. It survives all but the harshest winters when sown in late summer or fall. Treat with a pea/vetch inoculant.
Days to maturity range from about 60 to 300, depending on sowing date. Open-pollinated. Certified organic seed.
Specs
- Average 14,200 seeds per lb.
In stock — 1/4 Pound
Current price
$7.55
Original price
Sale price
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Know before you sow
Quick Facts
Growing times vary with weather, soil and local conditions.
Growing guide
From seed to harvestPair with rye
Inoculate first.
Strong spring regrowth
Fixes nitrogen.
End at full flower
Before seed sets.
Growing Information
Scientific name
Vicia villosa
What it does
A vigorous, viny legume, very cold-tolerant and widely adapted. It fixes good amounts of nitrogen and releases it quickly once terminated.
Sowing
Spring sowing works, but it is mostly sown in fall with a hardy grain to overwinter. Sow at least 30–40 days before a killing frost. Drill 1/2–1" deep into a prepared bed, or broadcast and rake or disk in lightly.
Inoculant
Use a pea/vetch inoculant.
Seeding rate
1 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft.; 25–40 lb. per acre. Use the low end when drilling and the high end when broadcasting or sowing late. With winter rye, 20–25 lb. vetch plus 70 lb. rye per acre suits many fields.
Light and soil
Full sun to part shade. Well-drained soil at pH 6.0–7.0; it struggles in clay or wet fields but takes soil too acidic for many clovers.
Height
3–4'.
Following crops
Residue may hold back small seeds, so wait 2–3 weeks after working it in before sowing small-seeded crops.
Termination
Easiest once in full flower, but cut it before seed sets or it can turn weedy. Mowing or crimping works when well timed. Tillage works best after mowing, since the vines tangle. Tarping also works, ideally after mowing or crimping.
Seeds per lb.
About 14,200 on average.
Satisfaction Guarantee
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If anything you order from us doesn’t meet your expectations, just let us know and we’ll replace it or refund what you paid.
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