Ex. VAT
Inc. VAT
Common Vetch (Vicia sativa) is a fast-growing native UK annual wildflower and nitrogen-fixing legume with attractive violet-pink flowers. Ideal for farmland margins, wild meadows, and soil improvement schemes, it supports pollinators, enhances soil fertility, and suppresses weeds with its dense ground cover.
We process and dispatch orders promptly and keep you informed throughout the delivery process.
Common Vetch (Vicia sativa) is a fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing annual wildflower widely used in wildflower mixes, green manures, and soil improvement schemes. A native legume species, it produces attractive violet-pink flowers and lush foliage that benefits pollinators and enhances soil health. It’s especially valued for its ability to thrive in disturbed soils, support insects, and suppress weeds through its ground-covering growth habit.
Ideal for farmland margins, conservation headlands, and species-rich meadows, Common Vetch is a vigorous and adaptable option for encouraging biodiversity while improving soil fertility.
Features & Benefits
Nitrogen-fixing annual that improves soil structure and fertility
Fast-growing, ideal for ground cover and weed suppression
Violet-pink flowers support bees and beneficial insects
Native UK species ideal for farmland and conservation use
Thrives in disturbed soils, grasslands, and verges
Latin Name:
Vicia sativa
Flowering Time:
May – August
Flowering Height:
30 – 60 cm
Life Cycle:
Annual
Wildflower Seed Approximate Sowing Rate:
9.5kg per acre (23.5kg per hectare)
Sowing Times:
Spring (March – May) or Autumn (August – October)
How to Sow & Preparation
Choose Site: Best suited to open, well-drained soils in full sun.
Prepare Ground: Remove weeds and rake the area to a fine tilth.
Sow Seed: Evenly broadcast by hand or mechanical spreader.
Firm In: Lightly roll or tread in the seed to ensure soil contact.
Maintain: Water lightly in dry conditions. Mow at end of season before seed sets if not allowing self-seeding.
About John Chambers Wildflower Seeds
John Chambers Wildflower Seeds has been a trusted supplier of native UK wildflower seeds for over 35 years. Known for high-quality, locally sourced seed and outstanding customer service, John Chambers provides ecological solutions for landscape contractors, local authorities, and conservationists focused on creating sustainable, biodiverse landscapes.
Latin Name | Vicia sativa
Flowering Time | May – August
Flowering Height | 30 – 60 cm
Life Cycle | Annual
Sowing Rate | 9.5 kg per acre (23.5 kg per hectare)
Sowing Period | Spring (March – May) or Autumn (August – October)
Preferred Conditions | Open, well-drained soils in full sun
Pollinator Friendly | Yes
Minimum Order Quantity | 10g
Ideal For | Farmland margins, wild meadows, cover crops, conservation headlands
