Growing Autumn Sowing Broad Beans

Broad Beans Flowering

Broad Beans Flowering

Broad Beans (or fava beans) originate in southwest Asia and north Africa. They are believed to be among chickpeas, lentils and peas as the most ancient plants in cultivation. They can grow up to 1.6m tall which require staking and they have beautiful white or crimson flowers with a black spot. The bean pods are furry and soft.

There’s a Broad Bean for everyone, small plots can choose dwarf varieties like The Sutton that don’t need staking and larger plots can pick tall varieties like Super Aquadulce.

Sow Seeds: October to Early December
Harvest: June to July

Where do I Sow?
Garden borders, plots, raised beds or allotments.

Varieties to Choose from:

Tracey at iGrowVeg has grown the following varieties:

  • 2007 – The Sutton – Dwarf variety good for smaller areas as plants are short and compact.
  • 2008 – Super Aquadulce – Hardy organic variety with tall plants and pods with 7-8 beans.
  • 2009 – Aquadulce Claudia – Early maturing with long pods and good crop.
  • 2010 – Crimson Flowered – Spring sowing with beautiful crimson flowers and large pods.

How to Sow Autumn/Overwintering Broad Bean Seeds

Broad bean Harvest

Broad bean Harvest

You will need:

  • A Raised bed, border, plot or allotment bed,
  • Broad Beans Seeds,
  • A trowel and a garden cane,
  • Watering Can,
  • Plant Labels.

Instructions:

  1. Refer to your own seed packet or take these instructions as a guide only.
  2. Prepare the bed by breaking up any soil clumps, add compost if necessary and raking level,
  3. Using a trowel or a cane mark lines or rows in the soil where the beans will be planted,
  4. Dig a small trench down the row 2 inches deep,
  5. Water the rows and let the water soak into the soil,
  6. Open the seed packet and choose seeds with no imperfections,
  7. Push the seeds into the trenches in the rows,
  8. Cover the seeds with soil,
  9. Mark the ends of the rows with plant labels
  10. Water well and cover with a cloche or enviromesh.

How long will it take for seedlings to appear?

6 to 8 weeks depending on weather conditions.

Growing Tips

  • If growing the taller varieties remember to stake the plants before they become to tall and unmanageable. Use string to attach to the stakes or canes to keep the plants upright in rows.

Pests and Diseases of Broad Beans

Click on the links below for more details on symptoms, prevention and treatments.

Recommended Winter Vegetables to grow with Broad Beans:-

Other Broad Bean Posts you may be interested in:

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