Broad Bean Seeds

Traditionally one of the earliest of summer vegetables, whether the seed is sown in autumn or spring, they are a tasty treat. There are two main types of broad beans; Longpods and Windsors (short pods). Longpods are hardier, so well suited to autumn and very early spring sowings and they have kidney-shaped beans. Windsor types produce rounder beans in shorter, broader pods.

How to Sow and Grow Broad Beans

Broad Beans can be sown directly into the soil in the autumn or spring. Protect late autumn sowings or early spring sowings with our UV30 Fleece, or with cloches. Alternatively start the seed off in Rootrainers indoors and plant out the seedlings from March onwards.

Broad beans do best in fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of added well-rotted compost or manure (such as Orgro). A sheltered site is best for autumn sowings, but spring sowings are fine in an open, sunny location. It is not advised to grow broad beans in the same spot two years running, as this may encourage soil-borne root rot diseases.

Sow outdoors where they are to crop 5cm(2in) deep directly into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. To make the best use of space, sow seeds 23cm(9in) apart in a wide row, in a zig-zag pattern leaving a space of 60cm(2ft) between each row. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Do not sow in very cold conditions or when the soil is waterlogged. Water well until plants are established. Protection from birds maybe advisable when plants are young.

Tip: Taller varieties may benefit from support with canes and string as they grow to prevent them flopping over. Blackfly can be a problem, but these can sometimes be avoided by pinching out the growing tips after fl owering. In addition if you can encourage ladybirds to devour the pests so much the better.