The common vetch is one of the two economically important species of this plant. It belongs to valuable legume plants. It is mostly grown for green matter, green fertilizer, less commonly for seeds. It is a spring crop that develops slender stems on which the feathery pinnate leaves grow. Common vetch flowers are purple-red. The small pods are medium resistant to dehiscence and contain 5 to 8 small grey-brown seeds.

Common vetch brings the highest yield in compact soils that rich in nutrients. The reaction of the soil should be alkaline or neutral. This species has low requirements in terms of the temperature and excellently handles spring frost. It needs plenty of water. It grows well all across Central Europe, but the highlands prove to be the best habitat for common vetch. This plant is mostly grown as main crop or a catch crop together with oats or mustard.

Common vetch is a valuable fodder plant. It supplies delicate food that is eagerly foraged by the animals. The cultures intended for green fodder for the ongoing feeding is harvested at the flat pod stage that constitutes the main part of the yield mass. Vetch hay stands out with excellent contents. It is rich in proteins, fats and ash. Plants are harvested in one go and require a second drying.

Common vetch is a great green fertilizer too. It constitutes the cheapest, fully organic and exceptionally efficient nitrogen fertilization that is particularly recommended for home gardens and plots. The 'Hanka' variety is a popular very productive variety that brings both excellent seeds and green fodder.

One package contains 1 kg seeds of the 'Hanka' common vetch, the essential growing instructions and the sow-by date.

• Use: animal fodder; green fertilizer; seeds;
• Flower colour: purple-red
• Foliage: feathery, pinnate leaves
• Site: compact, alkaline or neutral, rich soil
• Weight (in grams): 1 kg