When to Plant Broad Beans (Fava) in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow March to June. Right now in September it is out of season. The next sowing month is March.

Also called fava beans, faba beans.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Broad Beans (Fava) guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Broad Beans (Fava)

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.

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D T/D - - - - - -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 6–24°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Broad Beans (Fava) in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Narrow window: March-May. Must go in early enough to establish before warm weather returns. Aquadulce is the most heat-tolerant variety and is the best choice for SEQ.

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

Subtropical Growing Tips for Broad Beans (Fava)

Recommended Varieties

  • Aquadulce (most heat-tolerant)
  • Coles Dwarf
  • Early Long Pod

Key Challenges

  • Short cool season
  • Aphids attacking as temperatures warm
  • Rust in late season as spring arrives

Pro Tips

  • Sow in March for the best results in SEQ
  • Aquadulce is the go-to variety for subtropical gardens
  • Pinch growing tips when top flowers appear to reduce aphids and hasten maturity

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.

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

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Common Questions About Broad Beans (Fava)

When do you plant broad beans in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does broad beans grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Mar to Jun. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

What else is broad beans called?

Broad beans is the usual Australian name. Overseas seed packets and recipes call it fava beans, faba beans. Same plant, same growing advice.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.