Consumed around the world as a nutritious, protein-rich dried bean, The Broad Windsor Fava Bean is also tasty as a shell bean. This cold hardy bush-type plant grows to 3'-4' with unusual black and white blossoms. The huge beans have a creamy, nutty flavor, and the leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked. High yields make this nitrogen fixer a multi-tasker in the fall and winter gardens of all grow zones.

• Easy to grow
• Cold hardy to 20 degrees
  
• Nitrogen fixer
• Great for winter gardens

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Vicia faba
• Depth to plant seeds: 2" deep
• Spacing between plants: 4"-6" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 10-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 50F-65F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: Yes
• Planting season: Spring, fall, winter
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 2-4 plants per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-80 days when spring sown, 180 days when fall sown

Click here to view our full Bean grow guide.

Good companion plants: Cabbage, Carrot, Lettuce, Parsley, Rosemary

ADDITIONAL PLANT INFORMATION
The fava bean is not a true bean, but rather a member of the vetch family. As a nitrogen fixer, it's often used as a cover crop, but doesn't have to be. Grow a few plants for food and beauty. Favas can germinate in temps as low as 35 degrees, but will pop up more quickly in warmer soil. They like full sun, moderate water, cool weather, and well-drained soil. Use the tasty leaves as a substitute for spinach. Plants may need staking when pods mature.