Broad Bean

A British growing tradition. Sow in autumn for an early crop or in late winter for summer. Blackfly is easily managed — don't let it put you off.

Establishing this month

First sprouts in 7–14 days

Sow

Feb – Dec

Plant Out

Mar – Apr

Harvest

May – Jul

Type

Both

Difficulty

Growing Calendar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sow

Transplant

Harvest

This month: Apr

Move seedlings outside carefully

•Harden off plants
•Prepare soil outdoors
•Space plants correctly
•Water well after planting

Sowing Guide

What you'd find on the seed packet

Sow Depth

5cm

Spacing

20cm

Germination

7–14days

Thinning

No thinning needed — each seed becomes one plant

Grower's Note

Autumn-sown plants overwinter as sturdy seedlings and often out-yield spring sowings. They also largely avoid the worst of the blackfly season.

Growing Stages

Approximate weeks from sowing to harvest

Sprouting

1wks

Seeds germinate and first leaves emerge. Keep warm and moist.

Establishing

8wks

Root system develops and plant builds structure. Pot on if needed.

Maturing

12wks

Plant reaches full size and begins producing. Harvest at peak.

Total~21 weeksfrom seed to harvest

Companion Plants

CarrotSpinachPotatoNasturtiumSummer savory

Climate Control

Today

—C

Humidity

—%

Water

Every 3–4 days

Sunlight

6+ hours direct sun

Watch Out For

! Blackfly colonises the growing tips from May — pinching out removes the infestation in one action
! Chocolate spot (brown blotches on leaves) in wet, overcrowded conditions — improve spacing and airflow
! Mice and birds dig up seeds — cover drills with fleece or start in pots and transplant