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Fava Bean
Vicia faba
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.