Vicia nigricans
Care, watering, light and tips for Vicia nigricans on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Vicia nigricans
Vicia nigricans, or 'black-seeded vetch', is a fast-growing annual or biennial legume, noted for its attractive purple or bluish flowers that appear in clusters. Its climbing stems make it ideal for ground cover or as a support plant for other species in natural gardens and vegetable patches. It is particularly valued for its ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen, making it an excellent choice as a green manure.
Native range
Southwest Europe and Northwest Africa
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soils, although it thrives best in well-drained, medium-fertility soils. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings; it is quite drought-tolerant once established. A common mistake is planting it in excessively nitrogen-rich soils, which can inhibit its own nitrogen fixation. It does not require additional fertilization, as it improves soil quality itself.
How to save a dying Vicia nigricans
- Warning signs
- Wilting, yellowing leaves, soft stems, premature flower or pod drop.
- First aid
- Check drainage; if waterlogged, remove excess water. If dry, water thoroughly. Protect from intense direct sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering that rots roots or prolonged drought. Also, inadequate light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't fully rotted. Act quickly by adjusting watering and light.