VOLGA VETCH (COMMON-LEGUME) PER KG
Volga vetch — seed description, planting rates and timing
’s Volga® is an early-maturing common vetch (Vicia sativa) variety developed in Australia. It is suited particularly to low- to medium-rainfall cropping areas, with good early establishment and high grain-production potential. Volga flowers at about 95–100 days after sowing.
Seed description
- Type: Common vetch (Vicia sativa).
- Variety: Volga®.
- Seed colour: Generally dark/blackish vetch seed with the characteristic vetch seed shape.
- Flower colour: Purple.
- Maturity: Early.
- Grain yield: Very high potential in suitable low- to medium-rainfall environments.
- Dry matter: High production potential.
- Rainfall requirement: approximately 330–380 mm minimum according to Barenbrug.
- Disease: Resistant (R) to rust; provisional rating of moderately resistant/moderately susceptible to Ascochyta and susceptible to Botrytis grey mould.
- Volga seed is relatively large; GRDC data gives approximately 7.95 g per 100 seeds.
Planting / sowing rate
The appropriate rate depends heavily on the purpose of the crop:
Purpose |
Typical Volga rate |
|---|---|
Grain/seed production |
40–50 kg/ha |
Hay or silage |
50–60 kg/ha |
Grazing |
50–60 kg/ha |
Green manure |
55–65 kg/ha |
These rates correspond to target plant populations of roughly 40–60 plants/m² for grain and 50–70 plants/m² for forage, increasing to around 60–70 plants/m² for green manure.
Barenbrug gives a broader general recommendation of 30–40 kg/ha, noting that the actual rate should be adjusted for end use, rainfall and seed-production objectives.
Best sowing time
For Australian conditions, vetch is generally sown with the winter cropping program. As a broad rule:
- Lower-rainfall / warmer areas: April–May
- Medium-rainfall areas: May–June
- Higher-rainfall / colder areas: June–August
Volga's early maturity gives it more flexibility in sowing date than later vetch varieties.
For example, a 2025 Australian field trial used 40 kg/ha of vetch sown on 22 May, with Volga harvested on 27 November.
Sowing depth
A useful general guide for vetch is:
- Heavier soils: 10–20 mm
- Lighter soils: 15–40 mm
Aim for good seed-to-soil contact and adequate moisture rather than simply sowing as deeply as possible.
Inoculation: If vetch, peas or faba beans have not previously been grown in the paddock, Barenbrug recommends applying a Group E inoculant to the seed.
Common Questions
Do you ship this product Australia-wide?
Yes, this product ships Australia-wide. Freight is calculated at checkout, and for bulky or oversized items we will confirm the cost with you before dispatch. Call us on (07) 5482 1692 if you have any questions about delivery to your area.
Can I Click & Collect from Gympie?
Yes — Click & Collect is available from our store at 55 Tozer St, Gympie. Open Mon–Fri 8am–5pm and Sat 8am–12pm. Click & Collect is FREE on orders of $175 or more, or a flat $10 on orders under $175. Select Click & Collect at checkout and we will have your order ready.
