Vicia faba 'Fava Bean 'Superb'

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweetly fragrant and richly green from the first pods onward, Vicia faba ‘Superb’ delivers a lush, garden-fresh sweetness with a tender, creamy bite.

At about 75 days, the pods mature to a confident, full size and hold plump seeds with a smooth, satisfying texture—ideal for showcasing in bold, flavor-forward preparations, from quick sautéed favorites to velvety purées and hearty soups. Grow ‘Superb’ for a dependable harvest that feels abundant, elegant, and unmistakably fava.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Vicia faba 'Fava Bean 'Superb'

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)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

With a sweet, green fragrance and a naturally creamy interior, this fava performs best when you treat it like the star—quick cook, then hit it with lemon and fat to bring out that lush, garden-fresh sweetness. Don’t overcook; you want tender, spoonable beans that still hold their shape and mouthfeel.

Best Uses

shelled beans sautéed with butter until glossy and just tender
blanched and puréed into a thick, spoonable mash (with a splash of lemon)
folded into spring risotto or grain bowls for creamy texture without heavy sauce
soups/stews where they can simmer to velvety tenderness without blowing apart

Flavor Profile

lush, sweet snap creamy, starchy bean bite gentle green-herb fragrance lightly earthy finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon extra-virgin olive oil butter garlic black pepper parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Watch for aphids (often green/black) and fungal leaf spots, especially when foliage stays damp. Rinse aphids off with a strong spray of water, then remove heavily infested tips and encourage airflow between plants; for leaf spots, water at soil level and avoid wetting leaves, and remove badly spotted leaves early to slow spread. If you see widespread yellowing and stunting consistent with viral issues carried by aphids, remove affected plants to protect the rest of the crop.

How often should I water Vicia faba during peak growth to keep soil moisture right?

During flowering and pod fill, keep the soil evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch (2–3 cm) of water per week, split into 1–2 waterings. If the top 1 inch of soil dries out, water again; don’t let it swing between bone-dry and waterlogged, which can reduce pod set and trigger root problems.

How do I tell when Vicia faba 'Superb' is ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are swollen and filled with firm seeds—typically around 75 days after sowing, with peak picking in the days after pods reach full size. For “early” tender beans, pick when pods are still bright and seeds are just beginning to firm; for dry-like or shelling beans, wait until pods are mature and seeds feel hard through the pod.