Your comments and tips

02 Dec 21, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)

The kill temperature for Fava Beans ranges from about -4c to -10c depending on the variety. Furthermore the temperature needs to be sustained; that is 2 minutes at -4c will not kill the fava bean plant; neither will an hour (most likely).... but 48 hours of temperatures consistently below -4c might. When the cold temperature is sustained the cells of the plant explode (freeze); it is the "water transportation system" that gets damaged and the plant can't continue. If you are expecting colder than average temperatures (or colder than you expect your fava beans to be able to handle) - you can cover them with plastic (clear if your keeping it on - anything if you are just putting it on top of them overnight). Tent style is best, but umbrella style (no sides) is also helpful. The most difficult time for the plants is usually around 4am when the "dew" settles, if during cold temp days you can get the plants covered overnight not only will the soil help keep them warm, you are keeping that cold morning sweat off them which can really do considerable damage if temps are cold. Also, high winds work like the morning dew; transporting the cold temperatures into the plant more readily.

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20 Dec 21, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)

I forgot to mention - if you have hummingbirds in your area - fava beans will produce some flowers during your overwintering process and provide some much needed food for humming birds (as do hellebores/lenten roses).

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24 Aug 21, Tony (New Zealand - temperate climate)

You can plant anytime and if there is a frost, the plants will fall over but recover, albeit looking a bit unkempt.

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26 Aug 21, Richard Stancliffe (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)

Nice. Thanks Tony

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22 Jun 21, Barry Beasley (Australia - temperate climate)

Last year my broad beans grew well, they flowered but did not form pods. I have not struck this problem in the past. Do you have suggestios as to why they did not produce pods?

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28 Mar 21, Michael Garbutt (Australia - temperate climate)

Do broad beans tolerate transplanting? Or should they go straight into position?

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29 Mar 21, (Australia - temperate climate)

A trick I saw the other week is dig the trench in the soil, place the seeds in it, then cover with fine potting mix.

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29 Mar 21, (Australia - temperate climate)

When planting seeds to transplant it is best to have them in a cell tray pack so that they establish a good root system before transplanting - 4-6 true leave stage. OR if your are transplanting fairly bare rooted transplants then protect them from the sun for the first week. OR if planting seeds in ground, wet the soil the day before, plant the seeds, give a light watering and don't water again for 3-4 days and then only a light watering. If seeds are too wet and hot temperature they will rot in the soil.

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14 Apr 21, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Thanks for above info on planting seeds. Q. Is this only for broad beans, or does it apply to planting all seeds?

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04 Mar 21, gary (Australia - temperate climate)

what soil preparation is best for broad beans,my crops are getting less every year?

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