Note: Vetch seed is raw and not inoculated. In general, vetch readily nodulates in CA soil from resident bacteria and separate inoculation is not required.
Seed Rate: 25 lbs/acre broadcast method 15 lbs/acre drill method Ground Prep: A good, fine seed bed is desirable since most of the seeds are very small like alfalfa. The soil should be disked, cultipacked with a ring roller, planted and rolled a second time. If using a no-till drill the only preparation may be the application of an herbicide to control unwanted weeds. An application of ‘grass killing’ herbicide may benefit the clovers from shading and moisture stress.
Planting Methods: Use a grain drill, no till drill, broadcaster, or even a hand-held broadcaster on small areas to evenly distribute the seed. No fertilizer needed. If able to irrigate, ensure the root zone has available water until the roots reach 6” depth. Broadcasting not recommended, especially on young orchards.
Plant: After Sept. 10th through Nov. 10th, while soil is still warm – above 55⁰ Sow before first rains. Plant no more than 1/8” to 1/4” deep. Between bearing or newly established orchard trees, on orchard margins, waterways and fallow ground.
Emergence/Visible: 10 days
Bloom: Mid- to- late March and into May.
Management: It should be allowed to grow into May and June so that it both set seeds and provide the longest bloom possible. Thereafter, they can be mowed, disked and killed. To encourage reseeding, do not chip or disk but roll. Push seeds into ground.