Growing Guides How to grow broad beans

Date Published:

21/02/2008

Planting time

Broad bean seedlings that were raised in pots should be planted outside in the early spring when they have a well developed root system, three to four leaves and are 7.5-10cm (3 - 4in) in height.

Planting depth

The young seedlings should be planted with a hand trowel to the same depth as they were at in their individual pots.

Harvesting

Broad beans sown outdoors in the autumn and late winter will be ready for harvesting from late May to June. Broad beans sown or planted outside in early to late spring can be picked from late June to September.

Caring guide

In mild gardens, you can raise a very early crop of broad beans with an autumn sowing. However, it's vital to use a suitable variety and to select a sheltered spot with a light, well-drained soil. If freezing winter weather is forecast, always cover the seedlings with protective cloches.

In gardens that are typically very cold in winter or have a wet and heavy soil, it's better to make a first seed sowing in February and then cover the rows with cloches – this will aid germination, protect the young seedlings from adverse weather and help to provide an advanced crop. If the soil is frozen or soggy in the late winter, sow the seeds in pots instead - keep under cover and plant the seedlings outside in March when the ground is workable.

For a succession of crops throughout the summer months, sow some seeds outdoors in March, April and May. During the growing season, it's essential to keep all broad bean beds weed-free and to water the plants regularly in dry spells, especially when the pods start to swell.

Once they establish, taller varieties will also need supporting with small canes. It's a good idea to remove the growing tips (around 7.5cm (3in) in length) of each plant as soon as the first pods form - this ensures an earlier harvest and guards against infestations of black bean aphid (an insect pest).

The best way to remove each tip is to use a knife or pinch it out using a finger and thumb. Once the beans have been picked, chop the plants off at ground level and place the spent material on the compost heap. The roots should be dug into the soil as they will enrich the ground for future crops.

Harvesting guide

Broad beans should be harvested when the pods are 7.5cm (3in) in length and the plump beans can be felt through them. The pods are best removed by pulling them off with a sharp downward movement. If the broad beans are for shelling, wait until the beans are visible through the pods before picking - the scar on each bean seed should be green or white in colour, not black.