How to Grow Fava Beans

A cool-season fruiting for the home garden across the warmer US.

Fava Beans are a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Fava Beans are a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the fava beans page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Broad Windsor, Large-seeded classic fava (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 20 cm (8 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 5 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 5 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.
• Containers: grows well in a pot of 30cm+.

Pests & problems

Watch for Black bean aphid and Chocolate spot. In humid regions, Rust and Chocolate spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Fava Beans are usually ready to harvest in about 3 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant fava beans where you garden.

See also: Fava Beans in the plant library →

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