Vroma Fava Bean (75 Days)
We suggest Windsor Fava Bean as a replacement
Fava beans, unlike bush and pole beans, like growing (and perform best) in cool weather. A good crop to sow along with your peas. They are actually a relative of vetch, not a true bean, and have been cultivated for thousands of years around the world. The plant grows 3-4’, and pods form from white and black flowers along its length. Vroma Fava Bean pods can grow to 6-7” enclosing 4-5 large, elongated penny, sized beans. Green shell beans can be used like limas. If planted early, the harvest will begin in July. A fall/winter harvest is possible with late planting, especially in regions with mild winters
30-40 seeds
PLANTING
Vicia faba
Germination: 10-14 days
Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures are 60-65ºF
Seed Sowing Depth: 1” deep
Sowing Outdoors: Spring when soil temperatures reach 50-55ºF. Sow 4-6” apart. Planting in soil under 60ºF results in poor germination.
How much does a packet plant: 10-15 foot single row
Harvest: For shelling beans- pick when pods are fully formed and beans are green and soft. For dried beans- when pods are dried and beans inside are dry and brown.
Tips: Fava Beans should be grown in light, well-drained soil and provide adequate, even moisture, especially at flowering time. Dry soil can result in low yields and fibrous pods. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen which results in a surplus of foliage and low, delayed pod growth. Adding inoculant at planting time aids in a larger harvest and more robust plants. Sow a few times a season, 3-4 weeks apart for a continuous harvest.