Broad Windsor Fava Beans are one of the oldest plants with beginnings in ancient Greece and Rome for its beneficial cover crop properties, capable of fixing 200 lbs. of nitrogen per acre to replenish poor and depleted soils. They are cool weather beans, usually planted and harvested earlier than most beans. These plants grow tall, reaching heights of 4 feet or more, and are adorned with lush green leaves and beautiful white flowers. Broad Windsor beans are prized for their large, tender beans. Each long pod contains large oblong beans with a delicious creamy and nutty taste. Try in side dishes, purees, dips, pestos, and spreads for a luxurious taste! Also Known As: Windsor Broad Bean, Broad Bean, Horse Bean, Long Pod Fava, Bell Bean, Field Bean, Tick Bean, Vicia Faba, English Fava, and Large Broad Bean. Plant Name: Fava Bean, Broad Windsor Latin Name: Vicia faba Days to Germinate: 7-14 Days to Harvest: 80 Plant Height: 3 - 4 Feet Spread: 12 - 18 Inches Growth Habit: Bush USDA Zones: 2-11 Lifespan: Annual Brand: TomorrowSeeds Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated GMO: No Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2026 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth. Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. Planting: Fava beans grow best in the cool of early spring or fall. Plant fava beans in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, about 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 6-8weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 6-8 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-2 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. Planting Depth: 1 inch Within-Row Spacing: 6-8 inches Between-Row Spacing: 18-24 inches Care During the Season: Watering: Water the plants starting 2 weeks after planting to avoid root rot, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture. Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots. Fertilizing: As the plants begin to flower and set beans, you may optionally apply a fertilizer low in nitrogen to help plants produce more beans. Read and follow fertilizer instructions for best application. Water plants after fertilizing. Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions. Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions. Harvesting: Fava beans are ready to be harvested when the pods are fully formed and the beans inside have reached the desired stage of maturity. For tender pods, harvest when they are plump, 6-8 inches long, and the beans inside are still soft and green. If you're harvesting for dried beans, allow the pods to mature fully on the plant, turning brown and dry before picking. Gently squeeze the pods to check if the beans have filled out but are still soft for fresh use, or wait until the beans inside are fully dried for storage. Use scissors or garden shears to cut the pods from the plant without damaging the stems.
