Aquadulce Claudia

Family: Fabaceae Vegetable

Sweet, buttery pods unfold to reveal large, tender fava beans with a lush, green richness and a gentle, garden-fresh aroma.

Aquadulce Claudia forms sturdy plants that hold their pods well as they mature, delivering a smooth, creamy texture that shines in hearty favorites—ideal for roasting, fresh shelled enjoyment, and silky purées or vibrant spreads. Grow this classic for dependable yields and a satisfying, full-bodied flavor that turns everyday meals into something special.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Aquadulce Claudia

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Aquadulce Claudia’s big, tender beans cook up creamy without going starchy—your fork lands on that soft-meaty middle and it tastes like green sunlight. Handle them gently (short cook, quick blend) and they’ll stay sweet and velvety, especially in butter-lemon purées and warm sautéed bowls.

Best Uses

fresh-shelled favas tossed with olive oil and flaky salt, served slightly warm so they stay silky
quick blanch-and-sauté in butter with shallot for pods that taste like spring
roasting for caramelized edges while keeping the centers tender
silky purée or spread (blend with fat and a squeeze of lemon) for crostini

Flavor Profile

sweet, buttery snap from tender favas lush green, mild-bean richness gentle, garden-fresh aroma creamy mouthfeel when cooked and pureed

Kitchen Pairings

extra-virgin olive oil lemon juice garlic butter Parmigiano-Reggiano mint

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Aquadulce Claudia broad beans, and how can I control it?

Broad beans (including Aquadulce Claudia) are commonly hit by chocolate spot (a fungal disease that shows as dark brown/black spots on leaves and pods). Remove and discard the worst leaves early, and avoid watering the foliage—water at the base in the morning so leaves dry quickly. If the problem is spreading, spray a copper-based fungicide according to the label at the first signs of spots, repeating as directed.

How often should I water Aquadulce Claudia during the main growing phase?

From when plants start actively growing (after emergence) until pod fill, keep soil consistently evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week in total, adjusted for rain and heat. Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil feel dry, since broad beans dislike dry spells that can cause poor flowering and smaller pods.

How do I know when Aquadulce Claudia broad beans are ready to harvest?

Harvest green pods when they are plump and filled but still tender, typically around 85 days after sowing for Aquadulce Claudia. For a sweeter, less starchy bean, pick pods before the seeds look fully hard and the pods start to lose their bright color. For dry beans, leave pods on the plant until the pods are fully dry and the seeds rattle inside.