When is the best time to plant broad beans?

Broad bean , also known as broad bean, orchid bean , southern bean or Luohan bean, is a small grain plant and also a vegetable crop, widely grown in rural areas. Let’s learn together when is the best time to plant broad beans?

When is the best time to plant broad beans?

Depending on the region, broad beans can be sown in spring or autumn, thanks to its strong cold resistance. It is not heat-resistant and prefers a cool climate. It can withstand temperatures as low as minus 5 degrees Celsius and can even survive frost and snow.

However, the suitable temperature for broad beans to germinate is 15 to 20 degrees, and the suitable temperature for seedling growth is 10 to 15 degrees. Judging from the temperature requirements for germination and seedling growth, overwintering broad beans are suitable for sowing during the period from Cold Dew to Frost Descent. The climatic conditions during this period can meet the suitable germination temperature of broad bean seeds and seedling growth temperature. Therefore, there is a saying among the people that "From Cold Dew to Frost Descent, broad beans grow on the slopes." However, the latest time for sowing should not be later than the Beginning of Winter, because there is a saying that "if there are no broad bean leaves in the Light Snow, the broad beans will never bloom until they grow old." It is currently the Frost Descent season, which is a suitable period for sowing overwintering broad beans. Many farmers can be seen sowing in rural areas.

Broad bean sowing method

1. Simply select the site and plant

Broad beans are highly adaptable and are not picky about soil. They can grow well even in poor or abandoned land, with abundant flowers, pods and yields. Broad beans are nodule plants that can fix nitrogen from the air and can grow vigorously even in barren land.

2. Simple digging on demand

Broad beans are tall plants with stem heights generally not less than 40 cm, and some varieties can reach 180 cm. In management, stem height is controlled by pinching the tips to ensure high yield. Broad beans have a well-developed root system and can adapt to adverse environments. It is not advisable to provide overly favorable growing conditions so as not to affect yield.

3. Simply soaking the seeds can promote germination

Broad beans can be sown dry, but soaking the seeds in water helps increase the germination rate and seedling rate. The seed shell is thick, and blisters help soften the shell and facilitate the penetration of the germ. Simply soak the seeds for 12 hours and then sow them. If the temperature and humidity are suitable, seedlings will emerge within 7 to 10 days.

4. Seedlings can emerge simply by covering the soil

Using wood ash mixed with garden soil as covering soil can promote the growth of broad beans and improve yield and quality. However, for large-scale planting of broad beans, there is no need to use a large amount of wood ash. Simply covering the soil and ensuring close contact between the seeds and the soil can achieve good germination results.

Generally speaking, the period from Cold Dew to Frost Descent is the suitable sowing period for overwintering broad beans. Planting broad beans does not have to be overly complicated. Simply select a site, dig a hole, soak the seeds, and cover the soil, and you can grow high-quality and high-yield broad beans.