Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Narrow-leaved vetch Plant Care
Vicia graminea Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its distinctive lance-shaped leaves with a prominent central vein. Originating from Europe, Vicia graminea is highly sought after by plant collectors for its beautiful purple to pink flowers and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Narrow-leaved vetch?
Water Narrow-leaved 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 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Narrow-leaved vetch Native To?
What Is the Narrow-leaved vetch?
Narrow-leaved vetch (Vicia graminea) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Vicia genus. Narrow-leaved vetch is native to South America. Narrow-leaved vetch is also known as Narrow-leaf Vetch.
Narrow-leaved vetch displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Narrow-leaved vetch produces small pea-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Narrow-leaved vetch?
Vicia graminea 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 Narrow-leaved vetch Need?
Narrow-leaved vetch thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Narrow-leaved vetch Prefer?
Vicia graminea grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Narrow-leaved vetch prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Narrow-leaved vetch?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Narrow-leaved vetch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Narrow-leaved vetch?
Feed Narrow-leaved 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 Narrow-leaved 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 Narrow-leaved vetch?
Narrow-leaved vetch can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american vetch plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Narrow-leaved vetch Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Narrow-leaved 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 Narrow-leaved vetch?
Narrow-leaved 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.
Keep exploring plants
Narrow-leaved 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.
Narrow-leaved 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 graminea Sm., family Fabaceae (first published in Cycl. 37: n.º 27 (1818)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Narrow-leaved 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.
- 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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