icia faba is an ancient annual crop also known as broad, bell or field bean. They are native to the Mediterranean and southwest Asia where they are a staple, traditional food. Favas are cultivated worldwide and appear in South and Central American as well as Chinese cooking. Favas are a cool-weather crop. The attractive, erect, bushy plant grows 2 – 7 ft tall and produces large, fragrant white or purplish flowers and bean pods. The mature beans resemble lima beans.
Culture
Fava beans are a snap to grow. Sow in September for a late fall harvest, or in November for early spring picking. Sowing in January will give you beans in summer but is not recommended for Sonoma as the plants do not do well in warm weather and thus are susceptible to pests. Sow 1 – 2 inches deep, spaced 6 – 8 inches apart in regular garden soil. Legume inoculant is recommended for the initial planting. Plants are hardy to around 21°F. I sow in autumn. With rains on the way, I don’t have to worry about irrigation. Developing plants protect the soil from heavy rains, and the blossoms are open for early pollinators. Best of all, the succulent, tender, pods and young beans await delicious spring sautés with green garlic or spring onions, olive oil, and mint.