Suitable for beginner planting 5pcs Fava Bean Seeds flourish in loose fertile soil suited for row and open ground cultivation

Plant Name: Fava Bean, Broad Windsor
Latin Name: Vicia faba
Days to Germinate: 7-14
Days to Harvest: 80
Plant Height: 3 - 4 Feet
Spread: 12 - 18 Inches
Growth Habit: Bush
USDA Zones: 2-11
Lifespan: Annual
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO: No
 

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of a low-nitrogen fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a low-nitrogen fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.
 

Planting:

Fava beans grow best in the cool of early spring or fall. Plant fava beans in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, about 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 6-8weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 6-8 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-2 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants starting 2 weeks after planting to avoid root rot, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Water especially during flowering and pod formation. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around plants can help retain moisture.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: As the plants begin to flower and set beans, you may optionally apply a fertilizer low in nitrogen to help plants produce more beans. Read and follow fertilizer instructions for best application. Water plants after fertilizing.