Fava beans, also called broad beans, are a cool-season legume that handles cold better than most. The UC SARE Fava Bean Growing Guide says they germinate better than most grain legumes in cold soil and survive winter easily in mild climates like California’s. This page covers planting time, spacing, care, pests and harvest.
Fava Beans at a glance
| Type | Vegetable |
|---|---|
| Season | Cool-season |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 12 in |
| Row spacing | 48 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | 1.5 in |
| Days to maturity | Flowers 90–125 days after autumn sowing |
| How to start | In the western US, autumn is the most common planting time: early October to mid-November gives high pod yields, and cold areas such as Idaho and Montana plant in spring. |
| Water | 1 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant fava bean
In the western US, autumn is the most common planting time: early October to mid-November gives high pod yields, and cold areas such as Idaho and Montana plant in spring. Hot desert areas should avoid planting near summer. Seeds typically germinate in 10 to 21 days depending on soil temperature. Use the frost dates by ZIP code and planting calendar.
How to plant fava bean
- Sow 1 to 2 inches deep.
- Space about 12 inches apart in rows 4 feet apart, a common northern California setup. Wide spacing can cause plants to fall over; use the plant spacing calculator.
- Water to start. Irrigate for the first two weeks after planting, then once or twice after pod set in dry springs. See the garden watering calculator.
- Weed early. Weed about two weeks after germination, since fava beans compete poorly with weeds.
Caring for fava bean
Nitrogen is usually not needed. Choose cold-tolerant varieties for colder regions.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Brassicas, lettuce and other cool-season crops |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Crowded plantings |
Crop rotation helps reduce chocolate spot. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Black bean aphid | Clusters of black insects near flowering and pod set | Can cause major yield loss. A soapy-water spray is one option listed. See the pest identifier. |
| Chocolate spot | Red-brown circular lesions on leaves | Develops after long periods of high humidity and heat. Earlier planting, wider spacing and crop rotation reduce the risk. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Pick pods by hand at the full pod stage. Young pods can be eaten whole; older pods are picked once the beans begin to bulge. Young leaves can be harvested after branching.
Plan your fava bean
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant fava beans?
Space fava beans 12 inches apart in rows 48 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant fava bean seeds?
Sow fava bean seeds 1 to 2 inches deep.
How long do fava beans take to grow?
Flowering occurred 90 to 125 days after autumn planting in the UC guide; pods are picked after that.
How much water do fava beans need?
About 1 inch of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Irrigate for the first two weeks, then once or twice after pod set in dry springs.
Are fava beans frost tolerant?
They tolerate cold better than other cool-season legumes and survive winter easily in mild climates; no specific minimum temperature is given.
When do I plant fava beans?
Autumn in much of the western US, and spring in cold areas.
How do I stop black aphids?
Watch for them near flowering and pod set; options include a soapy-water spray.