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

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
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)
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?
17 Apr 09, graham (Australia - temperate climate)
Amanda,It doesnt matter which way up they will sort it out for themselves
21 Apr 09, peter koffel (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted broad beans, were doing well for a week, then shrivelled and died. Has it been too hot here in Perth WA this April or is the soil I prepared too rich.
09 May 09, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
Please advise do broad beans need support and if so how is this done?
16 May 09, Robert (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have grown broadbeans for three years and have not used any support. I think its best to ensure the bushes support each other. I have heard that high winds can damage them but have not had this happen in Berrima
20 May 09, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Peter: I set up a stake at each end of the row(s). then wind string around the stakes enclosing the growing beans. Add another wind around as the plants get about 6 inches above the last string. seems to work. An alternative is to set up wind breaks.
24 May 09, jenny (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, my braod beans seem to be wilting and turning blackish.....help??
29 May 09, Tricia (Australia - temperate climate)
Jenny, look around your plants for aphids, I had a whole crop affected by aphids, they stopped growing and the watering had made them rot. Look around your garden to see if there is anything else infested with aphids, my hybiscus was covered with them , soapy water got rid of them. I have now got into the habit of spraying everything once a fortnight with a garlic and lemon spray. Crush 4 cloves of garlic and one lemon (squeezed and cut up) into a two litre jug add hot water, allow to go cold and strain. Give your vegies a light spray once a fortnight, not many bugs seem to like the combination.
Showing 11 - 20 of 336 comments

Peter: I set up a stake at each end of the row(s). then wind string around the stakes enclosing the growing beans. Add another wind around as the plants get about 6 inches above the last string. seems to work. An alternative is to set up wind breaks.

- David

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