Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Tufted Vetch Plant Care
Vicia cracca L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its vibrant purple flowers that stand out against its green foliage. Originally from Eurasia, Vicia cracca is highly sought after by plant collectors for its ability to attract pollinators and its ability to thrive in various soil conditions.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Tufted Vetch?
Water Tufted Vetch every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tufted Vetch Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Tufted Vetch?
Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Vicia genus. Tufted Vetch is native to Europe and Asia. Tufted Vetch is also known as Wood Vetch, Common Vetch.
Tufted Vetch displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Tufted Vetch produces small pea-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tufted Vetch?
Vicia cracca requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tufted Vetch Need?
Tufted Vetch thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tufted Vetch Prefer?
Vicia cracca grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Tufted Vetch prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tufted Vetch?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Tufted Vetch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tufted Vetch?
Feed Tufted Vetch every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tufted Vetch?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tufted Vetch?
Tufted Vetch can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american vetch plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tufted Vetch Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tufted Vetch, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tufted Vetch?
Tufted Vetch is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tufted Vetch Need?
Tufted Vetch grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Tufted Vetch is native to Europe and Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Tufted Vetch is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Vicia genus — compare its care with other Vicia species on PlantoScan.
Vicia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Tufted Vetch thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Vicia Species
Other Vicia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Vicia cracca L., family Fabaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 735 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tufted Vetch, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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