When to Plant Broad Beans (Fava) in Melbourne — Cool Temperate Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Broad beans are a cool-season legume and one of the few crops that thrive in winter across most of Australia. They fix atmospheric nitrogen, improve soil fertility, and are one of the oldest cultivated crops. Best grown as a winter crop in temperate and cool zones; marginal in tropical areas.
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 21.9°C (optimal range: 6–24°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Broad Beans (Fava) in Cool Temperate Australia
When to Plant
Sow February-June for early spring harvest (September-November). Autumn sowing gives the longest growing period and largest plants. Spring sowing (August-September) is possible but yields less.
- Soil
- Well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Tolerates heavier soils than common beans. Enriched with compost but not fresh manure.
- pH Range
- 6.0-7.5
- Sunlight
- Full sun to light shade (minimum 5 hours). Tolerates partial shade better than most beans.
- Spacing
- 25cm apart, 75cm between rows
- Watering
- Moderate water needs. Water during dry spells in winter. Increase watering during flowering and pod fill. Avoid waterlogging. Less thirsty than common beans.
Companion plants: Brassicas, Lettuce, Spinach, Potato, Corn (following season)
Avoid planting near: Onions, Garlic, Fennel
Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Broad Beans (Fava)
Recommended Varieties
- Aquadulce
- Exhibition Long Pod
- Crimson Flowered (ornamental and edible)
- Coles Dwarf
Key Challenges
- Chocolate spot in cold wet winters
- Frost damage to early flowers
- Slugs and snails on winter seedlings
Pro Tips
- This is the ideal climate for broad beans - they love Melbourne's cool, wet winters
- Autumn sowing (March-April) produces the biggest plants and heaviest yields
- Stake tall varieties or grow in sheltered position against a fence
Harvesting Broad Beans (Fava)
When ready: Pods are plump, 15-20cm long, and beans inside are visible as bumps. For fresh eating, harvest when beans inside are bright green and about thumb-nail sized. For drying, leave pods on plant until completely brown and dry.
How to harvest: Snap or cut pods from stem. Start harvesting from the bottom of the plant (earliest pods). For fresh eating, pick regularly to encourage continued production. Inner skin of individual beans can be removed after blanching for best texture.
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