Smooth tare (Vicia tetrasperma)
Care, watering, light and tips for Smooth tare 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 Smooth tare
Vicia tetrasperma, commonly known as Smooth Tare or Four-seeded Vetch, is a small annual trailing or climbing legume belonging to the Fabaceae family. Its delicate stems bear pinnately compound leaves and small white to pale blue flowers, which develop into pods typically containing four seeds. This plant makes an excellent ground cover in vegetable gardens or naturalistic settings, contributing to soil nitrogen fixation.
Native range
Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
Care tips
Smooth Tare thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of well-drained soils, though it prefers slightly alkaline conditions. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as it is quite drought-tolerant once established. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this legume fixes its own nitrogen, and excess nitrogen could inhibit its flowering.
How to save a dying Smooth tare
- Warning signs
- Wilted, yellowing leaves, soft stems, or the plant looks weak and prostrate.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture; if dry, water lightly. If waterlogged, aerate and drain. Ensure good indirect light.
- What kills it
- Overwatering leading to root rot, or complete lack of water during dry spells. Avoid dense shade.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the roots are not completely rotted and the stem still has some firmness. Act quickly.