Cultivation

Winter and spring forms of common vetch

Vicia sativa L.

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is represented exclusively by spring forms, whereas plants cultivated as winter vetch belong to a different biological species — hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.).

In the reference 13 varieties crop Common vetch, where this is mentioned in the description.

In agricultural practice, the term common vetch refers only to spring annual forms that are sown in the spring and possess high sensitivity to low sub-zero temperatures. Using the term winter vetch in relation to this species is incorrect, as crops capable of overwintering in the soil belong to the species hairy vetch.

Hairy vetch possesses significantly higher winter hardiness, withstanding frosts down to -15...-20 °С in the presence of snow cover, and differs from common vetch in its greater drought resistance and lower requirements for soil fertility. Common vetch, in turn, is more demanding regarding moisture levels and soil quality, which determines its primary use as a component of vetch-oat mixtures in spring sowing.

General information about the subject — on the page Winter and spring forms.

Sources8

Varieties of Common vetch mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.