Witkiem Manita

Family: Fabaceae Vegetable

Sweetly fragrant pods open to reveal Witkiem Manita’s plump, tender fava beans with a buttery, green-sweet flavor and a satiny bite.

At maturity the plants carry well-filled pods that feel substantial in the hand, yet cook up delicately for spoonfuls of comfort—ideal for fresh simmered dishes, silky purées, and vibrant spreads. Grow Witkiem Manita for a cool-season harvest that tastes like spring and turns everyday bowls into something quietly special.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 65 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Witkiem Manita

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 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 22nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
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

Witkiem Manita beans cook into a satin-smooth mouthfeel with a genuinely sweet green aroma—think spoonfuls, not starchy filler. Because the flavor sits on the bright side, they ask for lemon and good olive oil, then soften beautifully into purées and spreads.

Best Uses

fresh shelled beans in a quick simmer with olive oil and salt for spoonable comfort
silky fava purée or crush—blend smooth, then loosen with warm olive oil
vibrant spreads and dips (mix with lemon, herbs, and a little fat for a glossy finish)
toss into spring risotto/pasta for creamy texture without heaviness

Flavor Profile

buttery, green-sweet flavor tender, satiny bean bite sweet-herb aroma that reads like spring mild-to-medium savoriness that takes seasoning well

Kitchen Pairings

lemon extra-virgin olive oil garlic fresh mint parmesan burrata

Frequently Asked Questions

What disease should I watch for on Vicia faba (broad beans/Witkiem Manita), and how do I manage it?

Watch for chocolate-brown or gray lesions that spread on leaves and stems, which can indicate fungal leaf spot. Remove and discard the worst affected foliage early, improve airflow by spacing plants so leaves dry quickly, and avoid overhead watering. If you’ve had repeated outbreaks, start with clean seed and rotate away from legumes in the bed for at least a couple of years.

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

Water deeply so the top 2–4 in (5–10 cm) of soil stays evenly moist, especially once plants start flowering and forming pods. In typical home-garden conditions this is often about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 1–2 waterings depending on heat and soil texture. Don’t let the soil dry out completely between waterings, because drought around flowering can reduce pod set.

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

Harvest when pods are plump and the seeds inside feel firm, typically around 65 days from sowing. For tender “green” beans, pick pods while still smooth and fairly bright, before the seeds start to look dull or oversized. If you can’t easily dent a seed with a fingernail, it’s usually past prime for tender eating—pick sooner next time.