Broad Windsor

Family: Fabaceae Vegetable

Broad Windsor brings a rich, buttery sweetness and a satisfyingly firm, meaty bite to the garden—pods that mature to a handsome, full-bodied green and fill with plump, well-filled beans.

The texture is creamy-tender at peak, with a gentle, savory depth that shines in classic bean preparations and makes a memorable addition to hearty sauces and preserves. Grow it for reliable performance and a satisfying harvest rhythm around 75 days, when plants are at their most luxuriant.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

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 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
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

Broad Windsor’s hallmark is that creamy-tender center paired with a stubbornly satisfying, meaty chew—these beans don’t collapse into mush. They love fats and acid: think browned butter and lemon, or a sturdy braise where their shape stays intact and their sweetness plays nice with salt.

Best Uses

shelled beans tossed with browned butter and lemon zest
puree for a thick, spoonable bean dip or sandwich spread
stew-ready beans for braises where they hold shape
quick pickling of young pods/beans for tangy-snap texture

Flavor Profile

buttery sweetness creamy-tender interior at peak meaty, firm bite even when shelled gentle savory depth (not overly beany)

Kitchen Pairings

lemon browned butter garlic ham or pancetta parmesan olive oil

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage black aphids on Broad Windsor beans?

Black aphids often cluster on tender tips and underneath leaves of Broad Windsor, causing curling and sticky residue. Spray the plants with a strong jet of water to knock aphids off, then apply insecticidal soap, targeting the undersides, and repeat every 5–7 days if new colonies appear. Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding during aphid outbreaks and remove severely infested tips to slow spread.

How often should I water Broad Windsor during the main growing phase?

During the main vegetative growth and when pods are sizing up, keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for rain and heat. Check by pushing a finger 1–2 inches into the soil; water when it feels dry at that depth. Consistent moisture helps prevent poor pod fill and reduces blossom drop.

How can I tell when Broad Windsor beans are ready to harvest?

Harvest Broad Windsor when pods are well-filled and beans inside are plump—typically around 75 days after sowing, often when pods reach roughly 3–5 inches long. For tender shelling, pick when beans are still glossy and before the pods become tough. If you want dry beans, leave them on the plant until the pods are brown and dry enough to shatter easily.