Fava beans are not twining climbers like many other bean species.
The leaves are rounded and look more likepealeaves than bean foliage.
These plants thrive in full to partial sun and don’t require fertilization.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Alternatively, plant as soon as danger of frost has passed for a summer harvest.
Selecting a Planting Site
Fava beans need a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
check that no nearby plants will create too much shade for them as they leaf out in the spring.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Rows should be roughly 2 to 3 feet apart.
Stake plants while they’re still young to avoid disturbing the roots once they mature.
A loose, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutralsoil pHis ideal.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Water
The plants have average water needs and some drought tolerance.
About an inch of water per week is fine.
However, during flower and fruit production, keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Temperature and Humidity
Temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit are best.
The plants will struggle in hot temperatures and be more prone to diseases.
Long, cool growing seasons are best.
However, working compost into the soil can help with growth, especially if the soil is nutrient-poor.
Using scissors or garden shears, carefully cut the pod off the plant.
Choose a small variety to make container growth manageable.
An unglazed clay container is best, as it will allow excess soil moisture to escape through its walls.
Add a stake or other support structure to the container to support the plant as it grows.
A quality all-purpose potting mix with good drainage should suffice.
Prune plants to a few inches from the ground after youve harvested the ripe pods.
Propagating Fava Beans
Most gardeners grow fava beans from seed.
And you cansave seedsfrom a mature plant to grow during the next season.
Therefore, overwintering is not necessary.
Leaving the plant roots in place after harvesting will continue to fix nitrogen in the soil.
Pea and bean weevils might feed on the leaves and can damage young seedlings.
Broad bean seed beetles can eat holes in the seeds, though this usually does not hinder germination.
Fungal diseases and rust also can be a problem in wet conditions.
Watch for powdery mildew, fusarium root rot, mosaic virus, and broad bean chocolate spot.
verify you provide plenty of room between the plants to improve air circulation.
To encourage your fava bean plant to flower, ensure there isn’t too much nitrogen in the soil.
Ensure your plant has a regular supply of moisture.
If that doesn’t remedy the issue, you may need to improve the quality of the soil.
Dropping Leaves
Fava bean plants can drop leaves when under stress.
This could be due to low water, excessive heat or cold, or improper light conditions.
Fava beans are fairly easy to grow as long as they have adequate temperatures.
Fava beans take between 80 to 100 days on average to reach their harvest.
Fava beans are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season.
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.
