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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24 Apr 13, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
I plant mine in double rows i.e. 2rows 10cm apart then 30cm away from the next double row, then stake the 4 corners of the row and run a string line about 30cm off the ground so they dont fall down this keeps them tidy and allows air movement between the rows.
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13 Apr 13, Martin (Australia - temperate climate)
Are broad beans ok to grow with tomatoes.?
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25 Apr 13, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
I would say, yes if you look at the compatibility it shows potatoes which is in the same family as tomatoes
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17 May 13, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)
You are generally growing broad beans and tomatoes in different seasons so it isn't an issue.
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01 Mar 13, Doreen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When is the best time to grow Broad beans in Melbourne & what are their needs fertilizer wise for best results please?
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21 Mar 13, Glenn (Australia - temperate climate)
Ive only just planted mine last week,I'm in melb too.I use mushroom mulch,they really then don't need alot of maintenance.
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23 Mar 13, Andrew S (Australia - temperate climate)
Only thing I do is water them and put some support for them as the wind usually play havoc on them
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07 Nov 12, Barb (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Helen, Whether you get more broad beans will depend on the weather at this point. If it stays cool enough for the flowers to set to fruit then you may get more broad beans. However if the weather turns hot again, you may find the new flowers don't produce any fruit. We've just picked a lovely second crop on our beans - but now we're about to pull them up as it's now getting too hot, so we'll dig them in for the next crop
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05 Nov 12, don andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
been growing broad beans many years lately i have been getting rust on leaves what is causing this and how can i prevent and treat my plants are 2 metres high with plenty of beans regards don
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13 Jan 13, Terry Parker (Australia - temperate climate)
I plant mustard as a green manure and bio fumigant in beds that have rust etc. before next crop.
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Showing 121 - 130 of 268 comments
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After my harvest of broad beans last year, we took them all out of the garden and placed them on a composting pile, you guessed it in about 2 months I have BB everywhere, so I have just let them go, I have had BB over the winter, not a lot but enough for 1 decent feed per week. My advice to all you BB lovers, if you get lots of ants, give them a good spray with some soapy water, you may need to do this weekly if you have the time. If you see lots of bees around your flowers you will have lots of BB. Last year I just placed a rope around the bottom of mine and one around midway up to try and keep them together. One can never have enough broadbeans, blanch them quickly and freeze them if you have to many, mine generally dont last that long. Hope I have helped you in some way.

- Teash

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