Growth of a Broad Bean

Fava Beans

• Fava beans are referred to variously as broad beans, horse beans, English beans, European beans or Windsor beans, but they are all the same bean. Like other beans, fava beans grow well in full sunlight. Favas are less tolerant of hot weather than other beans, however, and require an extended cool growing season. Ideally, favas will be planted in an area that rarely gets above 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the hottest time of the year.

Soil Conditions

• Favas enjoy a well-drained, fertile, heavy silt or clay loamy soils. Sandy soils will also foster fava bean growth so long as it is adequately moistened to prepare for the plants. Legumes in general do not require a high nitrogen content in soil, so nitrogen addition prior to planting is typically not necessary for fava beans. Have your soil tested to indicate nutrient needs and fertilize accordingly. If no soil tests are available, a 5-10-10 or similar fertilizer is usually beneficial.

Sowing Seeds

• Fava seeds should be sown in early spring, after the last winter frost and when the soil is relatively warm. at a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Seeds placed in rows should be sown 3 to 6 inches apart and each row should be around 24 inches from the next row. You should see the seeds sprout after germination in seven to 10 days. For a large harvest all summer long, continue planting seeds every two to three weeks until mid-summer.

Long-Term Care & Harvest

• From first flower bud to first pod set, provide the bean plants with 1 inch of water per week. Early morning watering will give the plant enough time to dry during the day and thus reduce the chance of disease infection. Once pod set begins, the plants may require a side-dressing of ammonium nitrate or similar fertilizer after heavy rainfall. Beans are ready for harvest when they are thick, green and glossy.