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Plant Informational Database

Fava Bean

Vicia faba

a.k.a. Broad Bean, Horse Bean, Faba Bean

The fava bean is a large, cool weather bean excellent for growing in coastal climates or in warm areas, during cool winter months. Beans can be eaten ripe, or pods can be picked and cooked, much like peas.

Seed Availability

Seeds are now available at our seed store.

Description

Pods generally mature in 120+ days from seed. Plants are usually 2-4ft tall, and produce many ornamental white-purple flowers. Fava Beans are nitrogen fixers.

Hardiness

Protect plants from frost and freezes.

Growing Environment

Grow in full sun.

Propagation

By seeds.

Uses

Beans can be eaten and are used to prepare a variety of foods. The plant is also a popular cover crop, great for returning nutrients to the soil.

Native Range

The exact origin of the fava bean is unknown, but it is believed to be native to Central Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean. It has long been cultivated and has spread across all populated continents as a food plant.

Related Species

Fabaceae  
Acacia caven
Espinillo
Acacia farnesiana
Sweet Acacia
Acacia koa
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Acacia podalyriifolia
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Caesalpinia echinata
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Cassia x nealiae (Cassia fistula x javanica)
Rainbow Shower Tree
Ceratonia siliqua
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Erythrina crista-galli
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Indigofera australis
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Inga cinnamomea
Inga Acu
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Leucaena leucocephala
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Parkia javanica
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Phaseolus coccineus
Pithecellobium dulce
Manila Tamarind
Pithecellobium flexicaule
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Pongamia pinnata
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Samanea saman
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Senna multiglandulosa
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Strongylodon macrobotrys
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Tamarindus indica
Tamarind
Vicia faba
Fava Bean