Gauche

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweetly fragrant pods open to reveal Gauche’s tender, velvety fava beans with a gentle, green-sweet depth and a creamy, spoonable texture when fully developed.

The plants mature in about 90 days, producing a steady harvest of plump kernels that feel lush and substantial in the hand. Grow Gauche for lush garden color and for showcasing beans in fresh preparations, silky purées, and hearty braises—especially when you want a rich, green flavor at its most delicate.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 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 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Gauche is the kind of fava that stays creamy even when you treat it gently—its velvety texture makes it ideal for purées and spoonable sides where you can actually taste the bean. Pair it with sharp citrus and salty dairy so the green-sweet flavor pops instead of fading into the starch.

Best Uses

shucked and blanched for a soft, bright bean salad with vinaigrette
silky purée or mash that clings to toast and scoops
quick sauté or pan-braise where the beans stay plush, not dry
fold into risotto or pasta for a green, creamy core

Flavor Profile

green-sweet aroma tender, velvety spoonable beans gentle vegetal depth lightly starchy, creamy mouthfeel

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil garlic basil parmesan burrata

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Vicia faba (broad/"gauche" bean), and how can I control it at home?

Black aphids and chocolate-brown leaf spots are common on Vicia faba, especially in cool, damp stretches. If you see aphids, spray affected leaves with a strong jet of water, then treat with insecticidal soap if they persist. For leaf spots, water at the soil line (not overhead) and remove heavily spotted leaves early; improve airflow by thinning plants if they’re crowded.

How often should I water Vicia faba during the main growing phase (after emergence through pod fill)?

During active growth and pod fill, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for a consistent damp feel 1–2 inches down. In typical garden conditions this is often about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2 waterings if it’s hot or windy; reduce if the soil stays wet. Avoid letting beds dry out completely, since drought stress can reduce pod set and cause uneven development.

How do I know when Vicia faba is ready to harvest around day ~90?

Harvest when pods are filled and feel firm, but before they harden—use your fingernail to gently press a bean inside the pod; it should dent rather than feel fully tough. Pods are usually ready as they reach full size and the plant still looks green (early-to-mid maturity around 90 days, depending on conditions). For fresh eating, pick regularly to keep tender beans coming.