Purple Vetch - Raw Seed (lb)

Vicia atropurpurea Cool season legume cover crop.

Purple Vetch is the most vigorous of the vetches, producing consistently high biomass yields in areas where winter temperatures stay above 20°F. It thrives in mild climates and can be planted year-round, making it a reliable choice for soil improvement, weed suppression, and nitrogen fixation. With its rapid growth and trailing habit, Purple Vetch provides excellent groundcover, enhances soil fertility, and supports sustainable farming practices.

This hardy legume grows well on poor soils but produces even greater nitrogen returns when planted in fertile, phosphorus-rich soils. It tolerates mowing and grazing, extends later into the spring than other vetches, and serves as a valuable green manure, honey plant, and forage crop when combined with oats. Its versatility makes it a trusted addition to crop rotations and cover crop mixes for gardeners and farmers alike.

For more cover crop options to improve your soil health, explore our full collection of cover crop seeds.

• Application Rate: 1–3 lb/1000 sq ft or 40–60 lb/acre
• Inoculant: Pea-Vetch or Garden Combination inoculant (sold separately)
• Germination: 7–14 Days
• Plant Height: Up to 3'
• Uses: Green manure, honey plant, weed competitor, nitrogen fixation, forage (with oats)
• Facts to Note: Performs on poor soils but fixes more nitrogen in fertile soils; tolerates mowing/grazing; later spring growth than other vetches