Fava Bean 'Hitchcock'

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweet, buttery pods open to reveal plump, ivory-green beans with a gentle, garden-fresh fragrance and a tender, creamy bite.

Fava Bean ‘Hitchcock’ forms sturdy, upright plants that hold their crop beautifully, making it a delight to grow and a standout for fresh, silky preparations, as well as hearty purées and spoonable spreads. Expect a smooth texture and a mellow, nutty flavor that shines whether served straight from the garden or folded into classic bean-forward dishes.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Fava Bean 'Hitchcock'

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	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	50
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

‘Hitchcock’ favas lean sweet and buttery with that creamy, spoon-ready texture once the beans are cooked and peeled. They’re built for minimal heat—get them just tender so the nutty flavor stays bright, not starchy, and let lemon, olive oil, and butter do the heavy lifting.

Best Uses

briefly blanched and served with olive oil and flaky salt
quick-sautéed with garlic and butter until just tender
puréed into a spoonable fava spread or dip (with a little lemon)
folded into pasta as a silky, starchy sauce base

Flavor Profile

mellow, nutty sweetness buttery, creamy bite when young gentle green-bean freshness silky finish when cooked and peeled

Kitchen Pairings

extra-virgin olive oil lemon zest or lemon juice garlic butter or crème fraîche parmesan or pecorino mint

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Vicia faba (fava beans), and how can I manage it?

Watch for chocolate-brown spots and leaf blighting from fungal leaf diseases, which are common when foliage stays wet. Water at the soil line, space plants to improve airflow, and remove badly spotted leaves early. If problems start, spray with an approved copper-based fungicide and reapply according to the label during cool, humid spells.

How often should I water Vicia faba during the main growing phase?

During active growth (after seedlings establish and until flowering), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency only if you’re getting hot, drying weather. Avoid letting soil dry out for long stretches because fava beans will drop flowers and produce fewer pods.

How do I know when Vicia faba (fava beans) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are full and the seeds inside are swollen and tender—typically around 60 days from sowing. For shelling or fresh eating, pick pods before they turn tough or dry, usually while beans are bright and still glossy. If you’re growing for dry beans, leave pods on the plant until they turn brittle and the seeds rattle when shaken.