Broad Beans – Planting Guide

Broad beans are a wonderful plate-filler. They sit well in many culinary dishes. They’re tender, and sweet. Even better, they’re easy to grow, and very low maintenance. They require very little space to grow, and will happily grow in the ground, in raised beds, or pots.

With these benefits on offer, why wouldn’t you want to give growing broad beans a go? Click to buy some Thompson & Morgan Broad Bean seeds in a handy-sized pack.

We sell multiple varieties available, such as, The Sutton’, which is a hardy, upright annual, with square-sectioned stems clothed with oblong, blue-green leaves. They offer clusters of scented, tubular, black and white flowers, all the way up the stem. Pods follow, which are up to 15 cm long with an average of six, white-skinned beans per pod.

Broad beans pack in the beneficial vitamins. They’re popular and used in many culinary dishes across many styles.

Broad Bean Overview

Sow seeds to over-winter in October or November. You can also sow them in the spring, from February onwards, once the soil begins to warm. Plants are strong stemmed, but benefit from support with several lines stretched out at different heights. Fix lines to stakes, driven in to the ground at either ends of rows.

Broad beans scientific name is: Vicia faba. They’re a popular and nutritious vegetable belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. Also, famously referred to as: “fava beans”, in the film, Silence of the Lambs. Other names include: horse beans, field beans, and broad beans.

Appearance

Broad bean plants are annuals that grow up to 0.3 to 0.5 meters in height, with sturdy stems and large, broad, and pointed leaves. The plant produces striking white or pale pink flowers, which later develop into long pods, each containing 3 to 8 seeds. The seeds, commonly referred to as broad beans, are large and flat, with a greenish-white colour. When cooking, it’s usual to remove the pod’s distinctive inner skin, before eating.

Nutritional Value

Broad beans are highly nutritious and offer an array of health benefits. They are also an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fibre, and essential minerals such as folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. These beans also contain vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K. The beans are naturally low in fat and are cholesterol-free, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

Health Benefits

The nutritional profile of broad beans contributes to several health benefits. The high fibre content aids in digestive health and may help with weight management. They also offer a good amount of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. The presence of folate is essential for pregnant women, as it supports fetal development. Additionally, broad beans contain potassium that may contribute to heart health, and help regulate blood pressure.

Free Download – Broad Bean Planting Guide

Click the image below to download your free planting guide. It aims to give you all you need to grow a great crop of Broad Beans. It covers everything from preparing the ground, sowing seeds, and onward care. All intended for you to grow a massive crop of tasty broad beans.