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 43°F and 75°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 6 - 10 inches apart
  • Harvest in 12-22 weeks. Pick frequently to encourage more pods.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Dill, Potatoes

Your comments and tips

14 Jul 09, Marion English (Australia - temperate climate)
My broad beans are growing and flowering beautifully but there does not seem to be any pod growing or am I being impatient. I have never grow broad beans before but have a fairly busy garden with success of flowers vegies etc all year around
10 Jun 09, Fiona (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Jeff, more stalks mean more beans - no need to do anything! and to Delia, you planted the beans at a great time, now just sit back and be patient as they will slow growth until the weather warms. Expect a crop in Spring!
09 Jun 09, delia (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
i planted broad beans in march and while they look healthy-lots of lushous green foliage-there's not a hint of even a single bean. any ideas, anyone?
06 Jun 09, Jeff (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My beans have three or four stalks from the base, with others shooting. Should I limit the number of stalks per plant?
02 Jun 09, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hey Jenny, if your broadbeans are blackish, they may have root rot or maybe a bit too damp. Is the soil heavy or easy draining? Unfortunately it may mean improving the soil to give them a good chance of thriving.
01 Jun 09, creative 1 (Australia - temperate climate)
My tip for the year is to consult the moon phases chart before planting seed bearing plants. I find 99% germination with most crops and harvest in peak condition
29 May 09, Tricia (Australia - temperate climate)
Jenny, look around your plants for aphids, I had a whole crop affected by aphids, they stopped growing and the watering had made them rot. Look around your garden to see if there is anything else infested with aphids, my hybiscus was covered with them , soapy water got rid of them. I have now got into the habit of spraying everything once a fortnight with a garlic and lemon spray. Crush 4 cloves of garlic and one lemon (squeezed and cut up) into a two litre jug add hot water, allow to go cold and strain. Give your vegies a light spray once a fortnight, not many bugs seem to like the combination.
24 May 09, jenny (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, my braod beans seem to be wilting and turning blackish.....help??
20 May 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Peter: I set up a stake at each end of the row(s). then wind string around the stakes enclosing the growing beans. Add another wind around as the plants get about 6 inches above the last string. seems to work. An alternative is to set up wind breaks.
16 May 09, Robert (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have grown broadbeans for three years and have not used any support. I think its best to ensure the bushes support each other. I have heard that high winds can damage them but have not had this happen in Berrima
Showing 251 - 260 of 268 comments

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