Germination Time for Crownvetch

Description

• Crownvetch is a hardy, perennial plant in the legume family. A European native, crownvetch has been introduced to Asia, Africa and North America. Although it's not a true vetch since it doesn't have tendrils of climbing, crownvetch grows to a height of 1-1/2 to 2 feet tall. Its strong stems may spread 2 to 6 feet wide. Underground, crownvetch spreads by fleshy rhizomes. Crownvetch blooms from June through September in most areas. Flowers range from light pink to a pinkish-purple hue. Leaves are compound with about 15 oval leaflets on each one. The flowers attract both bumble bees and honeybees.

Seedbed Preparation

• Crownvetch seeds require a soil pH of 5.5 or higher. Work the soil 2 to 4 inches deep to ensure that the seeds have good contact with the soil. Work a herbicide, such as Benefin or Trifluralin, into the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to control weeds. Apply the same amounts of lime, phosphate and potash as you would for red clover. Avoid applying nitrogen as it encourages the growth of weeds that compete with young crownvetch plants. Since crownvetch is so slow to get established, proper seedbed preparation increases your chances of success.

Inoculation

• Crownvetch seed needs to be inoculated before planting. It's important to use the specific inoculant for crownvetch and not hairy vetch. Most commercial suppliers of crownvetch seeds will also provide the proper inoculant. The inoculant is perishable and should be kept in a cool, dry place until it needs to be applied to the seeds. The inoculant is a specifically-grown micro-organism that attaches itself to the plant's roots once it is in the soil.

Germination and Establishment

• It can take more than 30 days for a crownvetch seed to germinate and two years before the seedlings become well-established. Because this plant grows so slowly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends mixing 15 to 20 pounds of crownvetch seeds with 30 pounds of fescue or ryegrass per acre. The grasses grow quickly and help to shade and protect the seedbed while the crownvetch is getting established. Mulch can also speed up the establishment of seeds.