Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Spring Vetch Plant Care
Vicia lathyroides L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's unique feature is its delicate, fern-like leaves that give it a graceful appearance. Originating from Europe and Western Asia, Vicia lathyroides is highly sought after by plant collectors for its elegant foliage and compact growth habit, making it a perfect addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Spring Vetch?
Water Spring 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 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Spring Vetch Native To?
- Albania
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Palestine
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- The Netherlands
- Türkiye
- UAE
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Yemen
What Is the Spring Vetch?
Spring Vetch (Vicia lathyroides) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Vicia genus. Spring Vetch is native to Europe and western Asia, and. Spring Vetch is also known as Common Spring Vetch.
Spring Vetch displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Spring Vetch produces small pea-like flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spring Vetch?
Vicia lathyroides 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 Spring Vetch Need?
Spring Vetch thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spring Vetch Prefer?
Vicia lathyroides grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Spring Vetch prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spring Vetch?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Spring Vetch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spring Vetch?
Feed Spring 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 Spring 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 Spring Vetch?
Spring Vetch can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american vetch plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spring Vetch Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spring 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 Spring Vetch?
Spring 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 Spring Vetch Need?
Spring Vetch grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Spring Vetch is native to Europe and western Asia, and.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Spring 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.
Spring 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 lathyroides L., family Fabaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 736 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spring 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 6a – 9b, 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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