Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
Broad bean (fava) (Vicia faba) is an annual vegetable in the Fabaceae family, native to Fertile Crescent and Mediterranean Basin (domesticated in the Near East). It grows 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Broad bean (fava) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Broad bean (fava) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.5 m (31 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–13 weeks after planting, for 3–5 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: immature seeds, mature seeds (cooked), young pods, shoot tips |
| Native to | Fertile Crescent and Mediterranean Basin (domesticated in the Near East) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇨🇳 China, 🇵🇪 Peru |
Is Broad bean (fava) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seeds, pollen
Vicine and convicine cause favism (haemolytic anaemia) in people with G6PD deficiency; raw seeds also contain lectins.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Broad bean (fava)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Root rots: Fusarium and Aphanomyces root rots build up where legumes repeat. Evidence C
Questions about Broad bean (fava)
- How far apart should I plant Broad bean (fava)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Broad bean (fava) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Broad bean (fava) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Broad bean (fava)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Broad bean (fava) flower?
- About 9–13 weeks after planting, for 3–5 weeks.
- Is Broad bean (fava) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Vicine and convicine cause favism (haemolytic anaemia) in people with G6PD deficiency; raw seeds also contain lectins.
- What grows well with Broad bean (fava)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Autumn-sown crops overwinter in mild climates; spring sowing assumed here. Flowers drop above about 25 C.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis
- Soybean (edamame) Glycine max