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

16 Jul 12, Brian Vendt (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My broad beans are about a metre high,but still no sign of flowers!!Also,I have had a battle with Aphids in all the top shoots,and have been spraying them.If I pulled them all out,could I put climbers,and dwarf beans,in the same patch?I have above ground veggie garden,and live on the Nerang River,at the Gold Coast.Thankyou.Brian vendt
06 Jul 12, GLENYS (Australia - temperate climate)
I understand you can dig the plants into the soil to improve the soil. At what stage and when is the correct time to do this? Should I leave beans on the plants or remove them all?
15 Jul 12, Di (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Broad beans are fabulous for digging in. Lots of good stuff for your next crop of Nitrogen lovers. The question of de-beaning or not is up to you. Have you got enough beans for yourself? If so, dig away. The extra beans in the soil won't hurt a bit.
06 Jun 12, graeme (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi,my broad beans are starting get leave curl and some are going brown on the tips the plants are only small at this stage
27 May 12, stuart white (Australia - temperate climate)
when can i plant broad beans in hobart tasmania please
29 Jun 12, Tassy Michele (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hiya Stuart -- I'm in Launceston and have planted my Broad Beans about a month ago. They have just come through. If you want to plant seeds now I suggest you give them some protection from frost and plant ina place to take best advantage of what sun you get. Planting later?? Refer Gardenate planting guide. PS Tassy is a cool/mountain climate. Hope you grow heaps. Cheers Michele
01 Jul 12, adam (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I'm with Michele. on this. You may as well wait until july/August for broad beans. They'll grow the same if you plant them then as if you plant them now. They almost stop growing in the really cold months.cheers.
15 May 12, anthony mezzini (Australia - temperate climate)
Can i plant the dry pods direct into soil or should i soak them in warer before planting
20 May 12, Abe (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Direct is fine.
10 May 12, Barbara Dioguardi (Australia - temperate climate)
In answer to the question about lack of bees in cold weather, my husband plants borage plants around the garden, as their blue flowers encourage the bees.
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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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