Bell Bean

Fava Bean

Zone 1a Save Garden

🌱 70d to harvest Upright

Sweetly fragrant and richly green at first glance, Bell Bean fava pods swell to a bold, meaty fullness with a velvety interior th…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jun 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Aug 10th
Harvest Ends	Jul 15th

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

Recommended Companions

Rainbow Carrot

Perfection Drumhead Savoy Cabbage

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Vicia faba (fava/bell bean), and how can I control it?

Watch for aphids and blackfly, which cluster on tender growth and can stunt plants and spread viruses. Blast the plants with a strong jet of water, then apply insecticidal soap (especially under leaves) and remove heavily infested tips; avoid excess nitrogen that encourages soft growth. If you see leaf spotting or powdery growth, remove affected foliage early and space plants for airflow to reduce spread.

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

During active flowering and pod fill (roughly weeks 4–8), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for watering about 1–2 times per week depending on weather. Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out, since fava beans need consistent moisture to form and size pods; irregular drying can cause poor pod set.

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

Harvest when pods are fully sized and feel firm, before beans become overly bulged or hard. For mature-shelled fava, wait until the pods are filled and the skins look taut; for fresh “green” fava, pick a bit earlier when beans are tender and glossy. Plan to harvest around 70 days from sowing, checking pods every 2–3 days once they start to mature.

Sweetly fragrant and richly green at first glance, Bell Bean fava pods swell to a bold, meaty fullness with a velvety interior that feels almost satin-smooth in the hand. The flavor is classic and comforting—deeply beany yet gently sweet—ideal for showcasing the tender seeds at their peak. Grow Bell Bean for abundant, nitrogen-fixing harvests that turn your garden into a living pantry of vibrant, spoonable goodness for fresh plates, hearty sides, and silky sauces.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For best results, sow bell/fava beans in cool weather (they dislike heat), and inoculate seed with Rhizobium if you haven’t grown legumes there before.