Growing Broad Beans, also Fava bean

Vicia faba : Fabaceae / the pea or legume family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
              P P      

(Best months for growing Broad Beans in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 6°C and 24°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 - 25 cm apart
  • Harvest in 12-22 weeks. Pick frequently to encourage more pods.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dill, Potatoes

Your comments and tips

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11 Feb 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Eden SEEDS.
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23 Oct 19, Brewster (Australia - temperate climate)
how do you know when the bean pod ready to pick..? mine look massive , but when open them there not full size yet? is it a firmness or size..?
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23 Oct 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can eat the whole pod when Broad beans are young , about 8cm. Otherwise, leave them until the pods feel firm and you can see the outline of the beans.
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01 Jun 19, Diana O’Brien (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Should you plant the “eye “of the seed down or up?
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06 Jun 19, Helen (Australia - temperate climate)
Don't think it makes any difference, I just drop them in :-)
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24 May 19, Anne (Australia - temperate climate)
Have been growing Broad Beans for many years. The past couple of years germination has been problematic, but this year is the worst ever. Have planted seeds dry, soaked overnight in water, also weak seaweed solution. No improvement in any method. Used seeds saved from last year's harvest in several patches, and packet seeds expiring Aug 20 and 21 in other patches. Any suggestions or advice most welcome. Thanks!
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01 Mar 19, Ron (Australia - temperate climate)
Are Fava beans suitable for digging back into the ground
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03 Mar 19, mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
All organic matter is suitable to dig back into the soil. Anything that has lived - plant animal. But it needs time to decompose to be available to plants.
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28 Sep 18, Frank (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Planted broadbeans in late April, have lots of flowers but no pods, do I still wait or should I just work them in as it is getting time to plant for summer?
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03 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you don't have beans by now - Oct, probably time to put out.
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I buy lots of fava beans in a store of Southbridge MA I was wondering where they come from I make excellent dishes with fava beans, pasta with fava beans, fava beans with cicoria or just boil them

- Elio Sonsini

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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