Winter Field Beans Growing Guide

Vicia faba

Crop Rotation Group

Legumes (Pea and Bean family) ●

Soil

Any average, well-drained soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

A cool-season annual, winter field beans can tolerate frost but are killed by temperatures below 10 to 15ºF (-12 to -9ºC). In the US, they are rated as hardy to Zone 8.

Feeding

None usually needed.

Spacing

Single Plants: 9" (25cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 1' 3" (40cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Poke holes in prepared seedbed and plant seeds 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Winter field beans may be planted in late summer, or in very early spring.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Primarily grown to increase soil nitrogen. Small-seeded varieties are best for cover crop use.

Harvesting

For maximum nitrogen gain, chop down and compost plants as soon as they begin to bloom, leaving the nitrogen-rich roots in the soil.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Winter Field Beans

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail