How to Grow Broad Beans: Tips, Facts, and Information

Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are a hardy, easy-to-grow crop that thrives in cool weather and provides delicious, protein-rich beans. Whether you enjoy them fresh or dried, broad beans are a versatile addition to your vegetable garden. They’re perfect for adding to soups, stews, and salads, or as a side dish. Broad beans are also great for improving soil fertility as they fix nitrogen in the soil. Here’s a guide to the top 20 broad bean varieties to grow, along with essential growing tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Broad Bean Varieties to Grow

1. Aquadulce Claudia

Tips: Aquadulce Claudia is ideal for autumn sowing. It’s frost-resistant and thrives in cool weather, making it perfect for overwintering.
Facts: This popular variety produces long pods filled with large, sweet beans, perfect for early spring harvests.

2. Windsor White

Tips: Windsor White grows best in well-drained soil and cool temperatures. Plant in early spring or fall for optimal growth.
Facts: Known for its large, white beans with a buttery texture, this heirloom variety is ideal for fresh eating or drying.

3. Express

Tips: Plant Express beans in early spring for a quick-growing crop. It prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
Facts: A fast-maturing variety, Express produces short, plump pods filled with tender beans that are perfect for early harvests.

4. Masterpiece Green Longpod

Tips: Masterpiece Green Longpod grows well in cool weather and prefers full sun. Sow seeds in early spring or late fall for continuous harvests.
Facts: This high-yielding variety produces long pods with up to six beans per pod. The beans are tender and sweet, ideal for fresh use.

5. Crimson Flowered

Tips: Crimson Flowered beans thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall for continuous harvests.
Facts: Known for its striking red flowers and tender green beans, Crimson Flowered is a stunning and delicious addition to any garden.

6. Stereo

Tips: Stereo broad beans grow best in cooler weather and rich, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a quick harvest.
Facts: This dwarf variety is perfect for small spaces and produces tender, sweet beans in short pods. It’s great for fresh eating.

7. Bunyard’s Exhibition

Tips: Sow Bunyard’s Exhibition in early spring or late fall for a high-yielding crop. It prefers full sun and moist, fertile soil.
Facts: This variety produces long pods filled with up to seven large, sweet beans per pod, making it a favorite for gardeners.

8. Dreadnought

Tips: Dreadnought beans thrive in cool temperatures and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for the best results.
Facts: A high-yielding variety, Dreadnought produces long pods filled with large, creamy beans, perfect for fresh eating or freezing.

9. The Sutton

Tips: The Sutton is ideal for small gardens and container growing. Plant in early spring or fall for continuous harvests.
Facts: This dwarf variety produces short, sturdy plants with small, tender beans. It’s perfect for compact spaces and has a rich flavor.

10. Super Aguadulce

Tips: Super Aguadulce grows well when sown in the fall for overwintering. It’s frost-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Facts: A reliable early variety, Super Aguadulce produces long pods filled with sweet, creamy beans that are perfect for fresh or cooked dishes.

11. Grano Violetto

Tips: Plant Grano Violetto in early spring or fall. It prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Facts: This Italian variety is known for its purple-tinted beans, which have a slightly nutty flavor. It’s perfect for fresh use or drying.

12. Imperial Green Longpod

Tips: Imperial Green Longpod beans grow best in cool weather and full sun. Plant in early spring or late fall for continuous harvests.
Facts: This variety produces long pods filled with up to eight tender, green beans. It’s perfect for fresh eating or freezing.

13. Leidse Hangdown

Tips: Leidse Hangdown prefers cool temperatures and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
Facts: This heirloom variety is known for its long, drooping pods filled with sweet, tender beans. It’s great for fresh use or drying.

14. Karmazyn

Tips: Karmazyn beans thrive in full sun and rich, moist soil. Plant in early spring or fall for the best harvests.
Facts: This Polish variety produces pinkish-red beans that are both beautiful and delicious, with a sweet, nutty flavor.

15. Broad Bean de Seville

Tips: Plant Broad Bean de Seville in early spring or fall. It prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
Facts: This variety produces large, flat beans with a smooth texture and mild flavor, perfect for fresh salads and cooked dishes.

16. Robin Hood

Tips: Robin Hood is a compact variety that grows well in containers or small garden spaces. Plant in early spring or fall.
Facts: Known for its short stature and high yields, Robin Hood produces small, tender beans with a sweet, delicate flavor.

17. Witkiem Manita

Tips: Witkiem Manita grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring for a quick-growing crop.
Facts: This early-maturing variety produces short, plump pods filled with tender, sweet beans that are perfect for fresh eating.

18. Negreta

Tips: Negreta beans prefer cool temperatures and rich, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late fall for best results.
Facts: This variety produces dark green pods filled with large, tender beans. It’s perfect for fresh eating, freezing, or drying.

19. Hangdown Green

Tips: Plant Hangdown Green in early spring or fall. It thrives in cool weather and full sun, with well-drained soil.
Facts: Known for its long, drooping pods and sweet, green beans, Hangdown Green is a high-yielding variety perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

20. Triple Treat

Tips: Triple Treat grows best in cool temperatures and full sun. Plant in early spring or fall for continuous harvests.
Facts: This variety is prized for its tender beans, flavorful shoots, and edible flowers, making it a versatile addition to the garden.

Common Questions About Growing Broad Beans

Q: When should I plant broad beans?
A: Broad beans are best planted in early spring for a summer harvest or in late fall for overwintering and an early spring crop. They thrive in cool weather, so avoid planting them in the heat of summer.

Q: Can I grow broad beans in containers?
A: Yes, dwarf varieties like The Sutton or Stereo are perfect for container growing. Use pots that are at least 12 inches deep and wide, with good drainage, and place them in a sunny spot.

Q: How long do broad beans take to grow?
A: Broad beans typically take about 12-16 weeks to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Early varieties may mature faster.

Q: How do I harvest broad beans?
A: Harvest broad beans when the pods are full but still tender. For fresh eating, pick the beans when the pods are young and green. For dried beans, allow the pods to mature fully and dry on the plant before harvesting.

Q: Can I eat broad bean shoots and flowers?
A: Yes, broad bean shoots and flowers are edible and delicious. The young shoots can be added to salads or stir-fries, while the flowers can be used as a garnish.