Kidney Vetch -Anthyllis vulneraria – grows best in dry grassland and is well suited to chalk and limestone soils on sites where there is plenty of sunlight. Plants draw a wide range of insect life such as Bees, Butterflies and Ladybirds. Kidney vetch also plays host to breeding butterflies such as the Small Blue that will lay its eggs on the plant. Kidney vetch is a low growing species with a soft yellow flower that appears from June to September. Kidney vetch looks best growing with other chalk and limestone plants that flower in early to mid summer such as Oxeye daisies, Greater Knapweed, Meadow Cranesbills and Small Scabious. Alternative Names for Kidney vetch include Butter Fingers, Fingers and Thumbs, Double Pincushion, Lamb’s Foot, Lady’s Finger.
KIDNEY VETCH Seeds
How to grow Kidney Vetch Seeds
Kidney Vetch seeds should be sown in spring or autumn, either outside, where they are to flower, or in seed trays and covered lightly with compost. Germination can be improved by lightly rubbing the seeds between 2 sheets of sandpaper. This is known as scarification and helps break down the seed’s tough outer shell. Kidney vetch seeds are usually easy to germinate and the seedlings, which are quick to develop, can be pricked out and grown on, for planting out later in the year