Family: Fabaceae
Binomial name: Vicia faba
Life Cycle: Annual
Broad Bean is a cool season crop. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow broad bean in your climate.
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cool | ||||||||||||
Temperate | ||||||||||||
Sub-Tropical | ||||||||||||
Tropical | ||||||||||||
Arid |
Broad Bean plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.
Broad Bean plants need a well drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
Broad Bean seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Broad Bean seeds grow best when they are sown directly into the garden.
Broad Bean plants may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.
If soil was well prepared no extra fertiliser should be necessary. In poor soil or to give your plants an extra boost, application of a balanced fertiliser or one formulated for fruit and vegetables can be beneficial:
Broad bean plants may need support as they grow. Use string strung between stakes around the garden bed or on either side of each row to 'corral' the plants and support the stems to grow upright.
Once the first pods appear, pinch out the growing tips to deter aphids and direct the plant's energy into producing large pods.
Broad Beans should be ready to harvest in approximately 90 days.
Broad beans are ready to harvest when they are large enough to eat. Harvest small pods (7.5cm or more) to eat whole. Harvest pods to shell when the beans are visible through the pod; small beans are more tender than larger beans. Pods growing lower on the plant will mature before those growing at the top of the plant. Harvest pods by cutting with snips/secateurs. Harvest regularly to encourage more fruit. For short term storage, pods can be kept in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge. For longer term storage, beans can be removed from the pods, blanched and frozen.
The flowers and growing tips of the plants can also be harvested and eaten. Eat the flowers raw in salads or as a garnish. Eat the growing tips raw or lightly cooked in salads or stir fries.
Like all plants, broad bean is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing broad bean plants: