Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Fava Bean — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Vicia faba |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 4.4–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 75–100 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 15.2–22.9 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–152.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–10 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow seeds 2 in deep in cool, moist soil; they germinate well even near freezing and are damaged by summer heat. Pinch out the top few inches of growth once the first pods begin to set to discourage black bean aphids, which congregate on tender new shoots. Harvest young pods when about 3 in long for eating whole, or let them fill out for shelling; seeds toughen quickly once they lighten in color. Support tall varieties with stakes and twine as plants approach flowering.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0