Vegetable · Fabaceae family
broad bean
Vicia faba
In short a 10-second read
Broad bean (vegetable) grows to 0.45–1.5 m tall and 0.2–0.4 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Sow in March–May. Harvest in June–August.
× spread 0.2–0.4 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: clay, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 6–8
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
pinch out the tips (May–June)
Sowing
direct sowing: March–May
Harvest
June–August
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow broad bean?
In March–May (direct sowing).
When is broad bean harvested?
In June–August.
Does broad bean tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does broad bean need?
At maturity 0.2–0.4 m wide and 0.45–1.5 m tall; recommended spacing 20 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (7)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Vicia faba
- RHS — Broad beans — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Vicia faba
- EPPO Global Database — Vicia faba
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
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