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

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17 Apr 09, graham (Australia - temperate climate)
Amanda,It doesnt matter which way up they will sort it out for themselves
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11 Apr 09, Amanda (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Which way up should I plant the seed, with the smooth end up or the seam up?
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02 Mar 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Beans Lover: Broad Beans go in 1-2 inch (big knuckle on index finger is a good guide)
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01 Mar 09, Beans lover (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
How far down do you need to drill a hole to plant the broad beans. Please, anyone help me. Thank you
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30 Nov 08, Janet (Australia - temperate climate)
My broad beans were doing wonderfully then suddenly started turning black, withered and died. What happened? How can I stop it happening again?
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22 Jun 08, lily flax (Australia - temperate climate)
Broad Beans are so easy to grow, remember when you have finished to cut them down and dig them back into the soil as a green manure, or alternativly, cut them down and cover with a layer of compost and then pea straw then plant your next crop, got an amazing crop of tomotoes this way
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18 Jun 08, mick newman (Unknown climate)
I plant mine everywhere ...in the flower beds and front yard etc as they do generate nitrogen and look good as they are growing and i get a good feed from them. I also buy my seeds as dried beans from those greek shops where they sell all sorts of herbs and stuff...much cheaper rather than buying a packet and they grow as well anyway.
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10 Jun 08, daneil (Unknown climate)
broad beans will not set when temperatures are too low. In Spring when the weather warms up then they will set.
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01 Jun 08, peter fletcher (Unknown climate)
my broadbeans have heaps of flowers but they are not producing beans ,other beans and tomatos are fine . any advice or help please anybody
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19 May 08, Anonymous (Unknown climate)
Grow Broad Beans in fertile soil with sun and shade.
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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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