What it is
Fava Bean (Vicia faba) is in the Fabaceae (Legume) family. A cold-hardy bean for fall and winter sowing - big protein-rich seeds, plus heavy nitrogen fixation.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it moderate, and give it rich soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0-7.5. Space plants about 6-8 in apart. Expect roughly 75-90. Cool-season annual.
How it's used
Fava Bean is used: shelled, cooked; young pods.
🔎 How to identify it
- Upright square stems
- Black-and-white flowers
- Large upright pods
Edibility
PartsSeeds (cooked)
UsesShelled, cooked; young pods
CautionSome people of Mediterranean descent have favism, a genetic sensitivity.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.