Faba Bean Growing Guide

Vicia Faba

Crop Rotation Group

Legumes (Pea and Bean family) ●

Soil

Any average, well-drained soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

A cool-season annual, Faba beans can tolerate frost.

Feeding

None usually needed.

Spacing

Single Plants: 25cm (9") each way (minimum)
Rows: 20cm (7") with 40cm (1' 3") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Poke holes in prepared seedbed and plant seeds 5 cm (2in) deep. Faba beans may be planted in late summer, or in very early spring. In milder areas they can be planted quite late into autumn.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Primarily grown to increase soil nitrogen. Small-seeded varieties are best for cover crop use.

Harvesting

For maximum nitrogen gain, chop down and compost plants as soon as they begin to bloom, leaving the nitrogen-rich roots in the soil.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Faba Bean

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail