When to Plant Broad Beans (Fava) in Cairns — Tropical 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: 25.2°C (optimal range: 6–24°C) ✗ Outside optimal range
How to Grow Broad Beans (Fava) in Tropical Australia
When to Plant
Broad beans are cool-season crops. The tropical dry season is the only possible window (May-July) but even then, daytime temperatures are too warm for reliable pod set. Do not waste seed.
- 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
Tropical Growing Tips for Broad Beans (Fava)
Recommended Varieties
- Not recommended - too warm
Key Challenges
- Insufficient cold for proper development
- Poor pod set in warmth
- Chocolate spot in humidity
Pro Tips
- Honest assessment: do not grow broad beans in the tropics
- Grow snake beans, winged beans or cowpeas instead - they thrive in tropical heat
- If you must try, the dry season at altitude (e.g., Atherton Tablelands) is the only hope
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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