Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
70-90 (Spring/Summer), 75-80 (Fall/Winter)
Growing Habit
Pole
Hardiness
Hardy

Fava Beans are very hardy and can grow right through the winter in mild climates. Fava beans can be frost tolerant.

Crops
Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall, Winter
Growing Season
Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool

Legumes like well-drained soil rich in organic matter and a moderate amount of nutrients. Water lightly at planting, medium at flowering, and heavily throughout harvest time. Avoid overhead watering which can promote disease. This tall legume is deep-rooted. Where winter lows stay above 10˚ F you can sow as early as September. Avoid hot weather. Raw seed requires Pea-Vetch, Garden Combination inoculant or Garden legume inoculant to act as a nitrogen fixer.

Outdoor Growing Temp
40°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
35°F
-
Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool)

Fava beans prefer full sun in their preferred cool weather climate. If growing in hot climates they do better with light shade. 

Water
Moderate

Water regularly in dry weather, as lack of water can affect the set of pods, the size of harvest, and the quality of the plant. Water is most critical when the flowers appear and they are setting pods. 

Feeder
Light

Low nitrogen. Moderate potassium. Moderate phosphorous.

Beans don't need a lot of nitrogen in the soil because they fix their own. In fact if there is a lot in the soil they won't go to the trouble of fixing it. They do need plenty of potassium and phosphorus though.

They are sometimes planted after a crop that was heavily amended, or after a winter cover crop.

Suitability
Tolerates light frost
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
No
Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Green
Fruit Size
5.0 - 6.0"
Plant Height
24.0 - 48.0"
Plant Diameter
9.0 - 12.0"
Hardiness Zone
-
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Tender and nutty, excellent in salads or eaten raw right out of the freshly picked pod.

Rotation Group
Soil Builders and Cleaners: Legumes + Corn + Potatoes