Tufted Vetch Seeds (Vicia cracca)

A fast-growing, scrambling perennial wildflower with vivid violet-blue flowers and a natural ability to knit through wildflower mixes and grassy swards. It brings movement, colour, and ecological value to meadows, field edges, and naturalised areas.

Key Features:

• Natural nitrogen-fixer improving soil fertility
• Valuable source for bumblebees and others pollinators
• Hardy perennial that returns year after year
• Scrambling habit adds softness and contrast in wildflower mixes
• Approx. 30 seeds per 1g

Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) is a vigorous and versatile perennial wildflower, known for its slender, climbing stems and cascades of bluish-purple flowers. The blooms are arranged along one side of each flower spike, giving a sense of movement and lightness as they sway among taller meadow species.

This is a scrambling rather than upright plant, it uses tendrils to weave through nearby vegetation, often forming soft drifts of colour among grasses and other perennials. In full flower, it creates a vivid, eye-catching effect that feels both natural and relaxed.

Typically reaching heights of 60–100 cm depending on support and competition, Tufted Vetch is well suited to field margins, species-rich meadows, or arable reversion projects. It establishes quickly, and like other legumes, it enriches the soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, supporting healthier plant communities over time.

It grows best in full sun but is adaptable to partial shade, and tolerates a range of soil types, particularly where the ground is not too dry or compacted. Once settled, it is long-lived and low maintenance, forming part of a balanced, diverse sward.

Tufted Vetch can be sown in autumn (August to October) or spring (March to May), depending on site and conditions. Autumn sowing gives the benefit of winter stratification, helping with stronger root development and earlier flowering.

Prepare a clean, weed-free seedbed by clearing existing vegetation and raking the soil to a fine tilth. Sow thinly and cover lightly with soil, around 1 cm is ideal for this slightly larger seed. Firm gently after sowing.

Germination typically takes a few weeks. In its first year, the plant may flower if conditions are favourable, though most flowering begins in earnest from the second year onwards. Once established, Tufted Vetch can spread via both seed and creeping roots, gradually extending its presence across the site without becoming over-dominant.

For garden applications direct sow at 1g/m2. For overseeding existing meadow planting or for new sowings on larger areas sow at a maximum of 2g/m2.

Tufted Vetch is an excellent choice for wildlife meadows, verges, field edges and naturalised areas. The flowers are especially attractive to bumblebees, with their deep tubes and generous nectar supply. The plant also provides shelter for insects and food for seed-eating birds later in the season. Its soil-enriching properties make it a useful ally in long-term restoration and biodiversity projects.

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Garden lawn seed, wildflower seeds, and wildflower seed mixtures are typically dispatched within 1 to 3 working days.

Products from our agricultural, landscaping, and equine ranges may be shipped separately as they are mixed to order.

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Q1: Will Tufted Vetch flower in the first year?

A: It may do if sown in early spring, but more typically flowers from the second year onwards once established.

Q2: Is it invasive?

A: Tufted Vetch can spread through both seeds and underground growth, but it tends to establish gradually and coexists well in balanced meadows. Regular cutting after flowering helps manage its spread.

Q3: Can it be mixed with grasses and other wildflowers?

A: Absolutely, it pairs well with native grasses and upright wildflowers, and its scrambling habit creates lovely visual contrasts.

Q4: What kind of soil does it prefer?

A: It grows best in moist, well-drained soils in full sun or light shade, but it’s adaptable and can thrive in a range of conditions, including loam, clay and chalk.