Winter-hardy annual or biennial vetch — the cover crop of choice for no-dig systems. When crimped at flowering, creates a dense mulch mat that the next crop is planted directly into.
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, Hairy 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
- The standard partner for no-till cover-crop systems — crimp-roll at flowering for an in-place mulch
- Fixes more nitrogen than common vetch (up to 200 kg/ha in good conditions)
- Cold tolerant — survives winters that kill most other cover legumes
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Hairy vetch against your zones