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     P P      

(Best months for growing Broad Beans in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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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03 Oct 14, Geoff (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I purchased seed online from organicseeds.co.za. I will plant them here (KZN) in April. They have a large range of seeds, but some that I got from them did not germinate at all. Others were excellent.
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25 Aug 14, (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I would like to enquire on Broad beans,How and where do I get them here in Namibia..I have searched in fruit and veg city..did not get any...Need help how I can get them and the price...thanx in advance
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06 Aug 14, Bart Lea (Australia - temperate climate)
I should have said on the 5th. Plant during the waxng moon before the last Full moon of Winter.
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05 Aug 14, Bart Lea (Australia - temperate climate)
I was told that the pods begin to set when the warm Spring weather begins, so there's no need to plant them too early. I'm planting mine during the last New moon of winter.
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24 Jan 16, Sarah Day (Australia - temperate climate)
I agree, this also helps to avoid some of the frosts we have in central victoria.
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30 Jul 14, Linda (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Give them time. Sometimes they are slow but before long you'll start to see the flowers drop and the beans appear.
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29 Jul 14, Nirbeeja (Australia - temperate climate)
My broad beans are good strong plants, heaps of flowers, but fruit is not setting. Whereas the peas are showing fruit, so it shouldn't be lack of pollination. Bees are around but very wet & windy weather. Any ideas?
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19 Jul 14, Rob Logie-Smith (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it to late to plant Broad Beans?
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14 Jun 14, Anne Cauchi (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi do l need to add anything to my soil before planting my broad beans lv dried out some beans from my last crop that's what lm replanting ?
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17 Jun 14, farmgrl (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
They are known as light feeders plant after brassicas, potatoes, carrots, turnips but before heavy feeders they require a rich loam soil. They are a good plant to grow for nitrogen fixing green manure providing plenty of quick growing organic matter. I spray them with a folic nutrient (seaweed) as an added bonus seems to have given me a good harvest. Hope this helps
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Showing 111 - 120 of 344 comments
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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.

- Celeste Archer

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