Today I will mostly be growing

Broad Beans (or fava beans) originate in southwest Asia and north Africa. They are believed to be among chickpeas, lentils and peas as the most ancient plants in cultivation. They can grow up to 1.6m tall which require staking and they have beautiful white flowers with a black spot. The bean pods are furry and soft.

Broad Bean seedling progress slideshow

Sowing Broad Beans from Seed

• My Broad Beans (The Sutton) seeds were sown in my raised bed Plot 3 on 17th November 2007.
• 19.04.08 – 24 weeks of growth and plants are flowering.
• 08.06.08 – Week 29 Broad Beans ready for harvesting.

Broad Bean Facts

• They can be fried, boiled or steamed and can be frozen,
• They grow in almost all soils and climates,
• They are highly nutritious containing Vitamin A & C, rich in protein and phosphorous,

How to Grow Broad Beans
Sow: March to April and again in November for over-winter crop,
Harvest: June – August and over-wintered harvest May – June.

Related Broad Bean Blog entries

• Broad Beans – Yum Yum! – 13th June 2008,
• Perseverance is the key – 8th June 2008,

—— Back to Plot Gallery page. ——-