Plant a piece of history and harvest hearty, nutty goodness!
Broad Windsor Fava Beans are a cool-season classic with roots that stretch back thousands of years. With their tall, upright growth and buttery, nutty flavor, these beans are a joy to grow and a treat to eat, especially when the garden is just waking up in spring or winding down in fall.
Variety: Fava Bean – Broad Windsor (Vicia faba)
Growth Habit: Upright and bushy
Height: 24–48 inches
Flavor Profile: Mild, nutty, and buttery
Color: Green pods with large, pale green to tan beans
Planting Conditions: Direct sow in early spring or fall; prefers cool weather and well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline: Ready in 70–90 days
Uses: Delicious fresh, dried, or pureed into dips and spreads
Benefits: Fixes nitrogen in the soil, great for garden health
Fun Fact: Cultivated since at least 6,500 BC, fava beans are one of the oldest known crops and a favorite in Mediterranean kitchens.
Fava Broad Windsor brings a rich, nutty flavor to your kitchen and a lush, upright presence to your garden. These beans are perfect for early spring or fall planting, when most other crops are still snoozing. Roast them with olive oil and sea salt, mash them into a creamy dip, or toss them into a hearty stew. Their ability to fix nitrogen also makes them a garden hero, feeding your soil while feeding your family.
To Full Size
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Fava beans prefer full sun in cool climates. In warmer regions, a bit of afternoon shade helps prevent heat stress.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Direct sow 1–2 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart. Plant in early spring or fall when soil temps are above 35°F.
💧 Water Moderately: Water lightly at planting, moderately during flowering, and more generously during pod development. Avoid overhead watering.
🌾 Thin and Maintain: Thin seedlings to 6–8 inches apart. Provide support in windy areas to keep tall plants upright.
✂️ Harvest: Pick pods when they feel full and beans are about the size of a large pea. For dry beans, allow pods to fully mature and dry on the plant.
