Growing horseshoe vetch?

[rob158]

Hi,

Does anyone know how to grow horseshoe vetch?
I have some seeds but thay just go mushy when I plant them

[Tursiops2]

I believe HV seeds require scarifying, i.e the hard seed coating needs to broken, before sowing. Rub lightly between two pieces of sandpaper. It also does best when sown individually in pots and planted out as plug plants.
HTH
T2

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by rob158

Hi,

Does anyone know how to grow horseshoe vetch?
I have some seeds but thay just go mushy when I plant them

Vetch seeds usually benefit from 'scarifying' - try rubbing gently between a folded sheet of fine glass/sand paper. Statifying may also help germination though I would not treat the whole seed stock in this way. Autumn sowing is usually recommended but isn't essential. Going mushy sounds like you have had the compost too wet - I'd suggest using only slightly dampened compost, in trays, in clear plastic bags. Cover the seeds with no more than 5mm fine compost. Keep in a cool place until the first shoots appear then remove the plastic and keep moist but not soaked.

Edit: Salutes Tursiops ! Cross posted

CM

[rob158]

thanks for help,
im going to give up on this one and look for crown vetch instead