Vicia faba

Fabaceae

Broad bean

Erect annual to 2m (6 foot) with elliptic to oblong, glaucous leaves. White pea flowers with a dark purple blotch. Plump fruit can grow up to 30cm (1 foot) long by 2.5cm (1 inch) wide.

Uses

Harvest 8-12 weeks after planting, when 3-5cm long (1-2 inches) and the shape of the seeds can be seen through the pod. Can be eaten fresh, boiled or frozen.

Culture

Seeds require ten weeks of cool temperatures for germination. Sow in mid-autumn to mid-winter,later in cold districts. Frost tolerant, it produces lower yields in hot weather. Needs a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Excess moisture may cause root rot. Apply an all purpose fertiliser throughout the growing season. Keep soil pH between 6-6.5 Aphis can damage tip growth. May need support in wind-prone areas.

Propagation

Seed

Cultivars

No information available at this time...

Plant Health

Aphids, Occasional fungal diseases cause marks on foliage or beans.

More info

Commercial Vegetable Growing course through Australian Correspondence Schools, see www.acs.edu.au/hort

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