Sutton Dwarf

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweetly fragrant and richly green from the first pods onward, Sutton Dwarf brings a compact, garden-friendly harvest with tender, velvety beans that feel almost buttery in the hand.

At maturity, pods hold a plump, substantial shape and deliver a mellow, sweet flavor prized for fresh enjoyment and quick, comforting favorites—ideal for simmered dishes, creamy purées, and vibrant spreads. Grow Sutton Dwarf for a concentrated, satisfying yield that turns your beds into a living patch of deep green promise.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 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 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
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

Sutton Dwarf’s early tenderness gives you that nearly buttery snap—cook it just long enough to go creamy without turning starchy. It loves fat and acid: think olive oil and lemon lifting the green sweetness, or butter for a spoonable, purée-like texture.

Best Uses

quick simmer and serve with a buttery drizzle
blend into a silky purée or smash for crostini
make a bright fava-based spread with lemon and olive oil
fold into pasta or risotto for a custardy, spoonable texture

Flavor Profile

sweet, mellow bean flavor tender, velvety bite (especially fresh) lightly starchy, creamy mouthfeel when cooked freshly green, lightly fragrant finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon zest extra-virgin olive oil butter or brown butter mint parmesan prosciutto

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease or pest problem on Vicia faba (dwarf broad beans), and how do I treat it?

A frequent issue is black aphids, especially on the tender tips; they can distort new growth and spread sooty mold. Spray plants with a strong jet of water, then apply insecticidal soap (especially under leaves) and repeat every 5–7 days while aphids persist. For disease, watch for chocolate-brown spotting and remove heavily affected leaves early to slow spread; avoid overhead watering to keep foliage drier.

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

Keep soil consistently evenly moist from flowering through pod fill, because Vicia faba will drop flowers and pods if it dries out. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on rainfall and soil type, aiming for roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total moisture; sandy soils may need more frequent, lighter watering. Check by feel: the top few inches should be moist, not waterlogged.

How can I tell when Sutton Dwarf (Vicia faba) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are fully sized but still tender—typically around 70 days from sowing—before seeds harden and turn noticeably starchy. Pick a test pod: the beans should be plump and glossy, and you should be able to pierce one easily with a fingernail. For “snap”/tender beans, harvest earlier; for drier beans, let pods mature longer on the plant until seeds look matte and firm.