Fast-growing annual legume — the standard small-scale green manure across much of Europe. Autumn-sown in mild climates, spring-sown in cold.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 3–9 | −40 °C to −1.1 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 3–9 | −34 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–5 | −15 °C to 10 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Common vetch doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
Growing notes
- Establishes faster than most cover crops and suppresses weeds effectively
- Often sown with oats or rye for combined nitrogen and carbon benefit
- Terminate at first flowering for highest nitrogen contribution
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Common vetch against your zones