Plant, maintain, multiply and more

Plant vetch properly

The young plants grown by hand or bought ready-made take their place in the garden from mid-May. In the sunny, warm location, dig small pits at a distance of 10-12 cm. Mix one third of the excavated material with compost and Horn shavings.(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) Before potting the fence vetch, soak the root ball in water. Then drag the Growing pots(€ 16.68 at Amazon *) to plant a Vicia down to the lower pair of leaves with the enriched substrate in each pit. Attach the lower tendrils to the climbing aid so that young shoots take the desired direction of growth. If the struts of a fence are too far apart, cover them with one Wire mesh.(€ 65.90 at Amazon *) Thanks to this help, the Vetch the necessary support for rapid growth.

Care tips

The care program is based on a balanced water and nutrient balance, supplemented with two measures for a bushy, compact growth and a lavish abundance of flowers. How to do it right:

• Water vetch regularly and abundantly as soon as the soil has dried
• Every 14 days from May until the end of flowering fertilize with compost
• Complementing the floor mulch with leaves and repeatedly sprinkle with nettle liquid
• About 3 weeks after planting, prune the shoots to create further branching

Cut off all dead flowers as soon as possible so that the second flowering can unfold. In addition, pile up the shoots of faded Vicia sepium so that adventitious roots form for optimal care for the next flowers and improved stability.

Which location is suitable?

In the sunny, warm and sheltered location, the black peas climbs busily towards the sky. In particular, choose a location sheltered from the wind so that the pretty flowers and leaves are not disheveled or the tendrils lose their hold. Ideally, plant or sow the wild plants along a garden fence in the nutrient-rich, humus-rich and fresh soil.

What soil does the plant need?

Choose the type of soil at the site with a view to the high nutrient requirements of a sweet peas. In addition, the soil should be loose, humus and well drained. Give fresh and moist Garden soil prefer sandy-dry soil and avoid locations with threatened waterlogging.

When is the flowering time?

The flowering period extends from May to October. The vetch always achieves this feat of floral bravura if you regularly clean the withered flowers. Otherwise, the wild plant invests its energy in the vigorous growth of the slightly poisonous pods, which is at the expense of the flowers.

Cut the vetch properly

Consistently cut out the withered flowers. Remove the flowers together with the very short stems so that the buds underneath can find their way into sunlight. Do not wait for the legumes to form before cleaning. This process takes so much strength from a vetch that the abundance of flowers falls by the wayside. After the first frost, the above-ground parts of the plant freeze reliably. You can choose to rake them under in the spring or cut the shoots close to the ground.

Watering peas

The vetch is a thirsty plant. You should therefore water regularly and extensively if the amount of rain is insufficient. To prevent waterlogging, check beforehand with a thumb test whether the top 1-2 cm of the soil has dried out. It is beneficial for the vitality of a peas if it is watered alternately with soft and normal water.

Vetch properly fertilize

In order to bring out the opulent flowers and leaves, a regular supply of nutrients is essential. Fertilize the fence vetch every 14 days from May to September with compost. A mulch layer of leaves and grass clippings is an advantage, as it permanently supplies the hard-working soil organisms. Sprinkle the earth repeatedly with nettle manure and give the climbing artist new impetus.

Vetch propagate

The propagation of Vicia sepium is quite uncomplicated by means of sowing. To do this, leave some flowers on the plant from July so that the pods with the seeds thrive. In autumn you harvest the legumes, take the seeds from them and dry them in an airy place. Please consider the toxicity of this work and refrain from snacking on the pea-like seeds. At the end of February / beginning of March, sow this way:

• Fill 10 cm pots with seed soil or peat sand
• Press 3-4 of the seeds previously soaked in water into the soil
• Sieve over with substrate and pour on

In the partially shaded window seat at 15-18 degrees Celsius, keep the substrate slightly moist. Maintain the seedlings until the planting season begins in mid-May.

Is Vetch Poisonous?

While the flowers and young shoots of a bindweed can be eaten without hesitation, this does not apply to the fruit. The pods with the seeds inside should not be consumed as they are slightly poisonous. Even small amounts can add to a sensitive stomach with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Therefore, cut off the withered flowers in good time to prevent the growth of the toxic legumes.

Is the vetch edible?

Its high protein content makes the peas an interesting wild vegetable for natural cuisine. Not only bees and butterflies fly to the Vicia sepium to feast on the rich nectar. The flowers and young shoots are delicious on the human palate. The flowers have made a name for themselves as an addition to a salad or as an edible decoration for sparkling wine, water and fruit juices. The tender shoots surprise with a mild aroma that is reminiscent of young peas. The legumes with the seeds they contain, on the other hand, are not suitable for consumption because they are slightly poisonous.
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Trivia

Our ancestors said the vetch had magical powers. If you hold the plant in your hands, people always have to tell the truth. In addition, the custom says that with this plant the hearts of your fellow human beings fly to you and you make friends more easily. Last but not least, the consumption of flowers and shoots should give people courage and strength. At least the latter could not be completely out of thin air with a view to the high protein and vitamin content of a sweet peas.