Vicia faba 'Green Horse'

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Sweetly fragrant pods open to reveal emerald kernels with a smooth, creamy bite and a rich, green-forward flavor that feels both tender and hearty.

Vicia faba ‘Green Horse’ forms sturdy plants that hold their crop well, producing substantial beans with a satisfying, velvety texture—ideal for showcasing in fresh preparations, warm sautés, and vibrant puree-style dishes, as well as pickling for a tangy accent.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Vicia faba 'Green Horse'

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

These favas are built for that moment when you want the bean to taste both sweet and green without going chalky—quick heat preserves their velvety bite. Use bright acid and aromatic fats (butter/olive oil + lemon) and let the velour texture of the kernels be the main event.

Best Uses

shucked and quickly sautéed with browned butter so the beans stay silky
quick-poached and served warm with olive oil, lemon, and flaky salt (minimal masking)
pureed into a smooth, thick spread/sauce—blend hot for maximum creaminess
tossed into warm grain bowls where they hold their texture without turning starchy

Flavor Profile

sweet, green-bean fragrance velvety, creamy bite with a tender-meaty chew rich, grassy finish that still reads sweet

Kitchen Pairings

lemon brown butter garlic fresh mint parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Vicia faba (fava bean) and what should I do?

Black bean aphids and chocolate-brown root rot can be common on fava beans, especially in cool, wet weather. If you see clusters of aphids, spray with a strong jet of water to dislodge them and remove heavily infested shoots; for severe infestations, use an insecticidal soap labeled for aphids on edibles. If plants wilt despite moist soil or roots look dark and rotten, pull affected plants and avoid replanting fava beans in the same spot for several years; improve drainage and keep foliage as dry as possible.

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

During the active growth and pod-filling period, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, because fava beans need consistent moisture to form pods well. In standing-soggy soil, roots can rot quickly, so ensure beds drain well and avoid daily light watering.

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

Harvest when pods are fully swollen but still tender—typically around 75 days from sowing for Vicia faba, though timing varies with temperature. For “green” shelling beans, pick pods when seeds are firm and the pod wall snaps slightly instead of feeling stringy. If you wait until pods dry down, you’ll shift from green beans to dry seed.