Growing Guides How to grow broad beans

Date Published:

21/02/2008

Sowing time

Broad bean seeds can be sown outdoors in late October and November, or from February to May. They can also be sown in pots during February and kept under cover.

Sowing depth

The seeds are best sown in 5cm (2in) deep seed drills (rows).

Sowing distance

Broad bean seeds should be sown 15-20cm (6–8in) apart in each row. For the best use of space, raise broad beans in double rows - these should be parallel to each other and 20cm (8in) apart. If you have more than one double row they should be at least 60cm (2ft) apart.

Where to sow them

Broad beans need to be sown outdoors in a sunny spot and a fertile, well-drained soil. For the best results, fork over the ground a few weeks before sowing to remove all weeds and incorporate plenty of well-rotted compost. A week before sowing, rake over the site to ensure the soil surface has a fine and level tilth and scatter a general organic fertiliser over it.

To mark out an individual row, push two pegs into the ground and stretch a length of string between them. A short stick can be dragged through the soil (alongside the line) to create a seed drill. Before sowing, water the base of the drill, then place the seeds inside and cover with soil - don't forget to label the site. It's also possible to start broad beans off indoors - fill 7.5cm (3in) pots with seed compost, sow a seed inside each one and leave to germinate in a greenhouse or cold frame.