Vetch seed can be harvested with a combine when the lower pods are fully ripe. This will provide the maximum ripe seed yield. Harvesting losses due to shattering may be large. Shattered seed can be disked in as soon as possible after harvest to start a new crop.

How do you harvest hairy vetch seeds?

Vetch seed can be harvested with a combine when the lower pods are fully ripe. This will provide the maximum ripe seed yield. Harvesting losses due to shattering may be large. Shattered seed can be disked in as soon as possible after harvest to start a new crop.

Will hairy vetch reseed itself?

Hairy vetch, as a winter annual, will sprout in the fall, overwinter, regrow in spring, go to seed and die. The scientists sowed the vetch in mid-September.

What is the seeding rate for hairy vetch?

20 to 25 pounds per acre
Hairy vetch is normally planted in late summer to early fall. Seed can be broadcast or drilled and should be inoculated prior to planting. The recommended planting rate is 20 to 25 pounds per acre with a seeding depth of 1inch.

Can you frost seed hairy vetch?

If farmers miss the critical window for planting hairy vetch (typically 40 to 50 days before the first killing frost, or mid-August to mid-September here in Berks County, Pennsylvania), the data shows that dormant seeding may be their next best bet.

How long does it take for hairy vetch to germinate?

10 – 14 days
Germination: 10 – 14 days. Ideal temperature for germination is about 68 degrees F. If the soil temperature is too cold, the seed will not germinate. Plant vetch 30 to 45 days before killing frost for winter annual management.

How fast does hairy vetch grow?

The cover grows slowly in fall, but root development continues over winter. Growth quickens in spring, when hairy vetch becomes a sprawling vine up to 12 feet long.

Can I plant hairy vetch in the spring?

Plant vetch 30 to 45 days before killing frost for winter annual management; in early spring for summer growth; or in July if you want to kill or incorporate it in fall or for a winter-killed mulch.

How long does it take hairy vetch to grow?

Germination: 10 – 14 days. Ideal temperature for germination is about 68 degrees F. If the soil temperature is too cold, the seed will not germinate. Plant vetch 30 to 45 days before killing frost for winter annual management.

How long does it take hairy vetch to germinate?

Does vetch make good hay?

Hairy vetch is also used as fodder and can be grazed, or cut for hay and silage. It is commonly grown with a small grain crop (rye, wheat or oats) or with annual ryegrass to provide good quality forage (Hannaway et al., 2004).

How long does it take for hairy vetch to sprout?

When do you plant hairy vetch seeds?

When hairy vetch is sown in late July or August, the seed germinates readily and the plants generally form a crown before the first snow. In spring, the plant produces 3 to 10 long, weak, branching stems or vines 3 to 6 ft long.

What are the growth habits of hairy vetch?

III. Growth Habits: When hairy vetch is sown in late July or August, the seed germinates readily and the plants generally form a crown before the first snow. In spring, the plant produces 3 to 10 long, weak, branching stems or vines 3 to 6 ft long. The leaves have 12 to 20 leaflets and terminate with tendrils.

What does a vetch plant look like?

When hairy vetch is sown in late July or August, the seed germinates readily and the plants generally form a crown before the first snow. In spring, the plant produces 3 to 10 long, weak, branching stems or vines 3 to 6 ft long. The leaves have 12 to 20 leaflets and terminate with tendrils.

Where does hairy vetch come from?

However, the species in commercial use, including hairy vetch ( Vicia villosa Roth), are all native to Europe or western Asia. Hairy vetch, also called sand vetch, is a moderately winter-hardy species. It is the only vetch species that can be fall-seeded and reach maturity the following July. II.