Broad bean broad-bean Broad bean (Vicia faba) is a cool-season legume grown for its large, protein-rich seeds. It tolerates cold and light frost and is well-suited to northern climates. Plants are upright with sturdy square stems and white or black-and-white flowers. Varieties vary: long-podded types for fresh green beans, small-seeded ‘field bean’ types for drying, and compact cultivars suited to windy or exposed plots. Early sowings produce earlier harvests and help evade peak black aphid pressure. Growing conditions LightFull sun to light partial shade; 6–8 hours of sun is ideal. Soil typeMoisture-retentive but well-drained loam or clay-loam enriched with compost; avoid waterlogging. Water requirementModerate; keep evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod fill. Nutrient requirementLow to moderate. As a legume it fixes nitrogen; excess nitrogen leads to lush foliage with fewer pods. Back to plant list
