Winter Broad Beans

About

• Broad beans are part of the pea family. The entire pod can be picked and eaten before the pods get too large, if you steam them. Once they get bigger shell the beans like you would peas and use in your favorite recipes. Consider plating broad beans with alyssum and phacelia. If you are unable to eat the beans right away, freeze them in pre-portioned freezer bags. When you want to add them to a soup or stew, add them straight from the freezer.

Growing Conditions

• Broad beans do well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 11. Plants require full sun and can be planted in October or November for regions with a mild winter or later in the year between February and May for areas with a colder stretch of winter. Plant rows 9 inches apart with 6 inches between each seed. Prepare to stake the plants for support as they tend to get heavy when pods begin to grow. Once the pods begin growing, pinch the top of the plant to generate a stronger yield.

Pests

• Pigeons, black flies, black aphids, ants, slugs and mice are some of the pests you may encounter when planting broad beans. When flies and aphids attack, cut the affected area off of the plant. While most pests are inclined to feast on the seeds in the spring and summer months, you may still find the odd mouse digging up seeds over the winter. Avoid this by coating seeds in a thin coating of paraffin wax. Other ideas include planting the seeds beneath a wire mesh enclosure.

Varieties

• Several common varieties of broad beans are available for winter planting. Always read the seed packets and follow suggested planting instructions for optimal results. Aquadulce Claudia broad beans provide an early crop with long pods. Crimson Flowered is a heritage variety that boasts handsome red blooms worthy of borders, although they produce smaller pods and beans. The Sutton broad bean is a dwarf variety that produces a smaller yield with smaller pods ideal for limited spaces. Super Aquadulce produces tall plants with long pods.