How to grow Bean, Fava?

This species is unique among commonly cultivated beans in that it actually dislikes heat. It is a cool weather crop, with requirements more akin to the Pea than any other bean. If your climate is too cold for Snap Beans, then this is the one to try. Most of the United States is too warm for Fava Beans in summer, so it can only be grown in spring or fall (at the same time as Peas). In areas with mild winters, it is often grown as an over wintering crop. It does really well when planted in this way, which is how it became a favorite in Italy (Fava Bean is an Italian name). The Fava Bean isn't closely related to any other Bean and is actually a kind of Vetch (Vicia). It does resemble the other beans in being very rich in protein (it has been called the Soybean of the north) and because it is a [nitrogen fixer]. It is quite easy to grow and is often recommended as a good crop for beginning gardeners.

Caution: Some people, particularly males of Mediterranean (and sometimes Asian) descent, are allergic to Fava Beans. It causes a serious (and sometimes even fatal) allergic reaction known as Favism. Favism occurs in people with a deficiency of a blood enzyme called G6PD that destroys red blood cells. If you have any reason to think you might be allergic then it is usually recommended, that you eat only a couple of beans initially (the first symptom is urinary bleeding). Some people are even allergic to the foliage or pollen and get a rash when they come in contact with it.