Broad bean is known as the horse bean, the field bean, the Windsor bean, and the most famously as the fava (Vicia faba). The plant love cool weather, full sun, and can be grown in a variety of climates, broad beans are an excellent source of protein and vitamins A, C and B. Rich in fiber and so delicious, they are definitely worth growing in small places such containers. With my simple tips you can learn easily how to plant, care, and harvest organic and tasty fresh broad beans at home.
Broad Bean Plant Description
- Broad bean is a bushy, hardy annual that can grow from 3 to 4 feet tall.
- The broad bean has square stems with leaves divided into leaflets.
- The pods are 6 to 8 inches long and contain 4 to 6 flat, oval white, yellow, green, or pinkish-red seeds.
- The broad bean has white flowers that are splotched with brown.
Broad Bean Seeds
How to Grow Broad Beans In Containers
Planting The Seeds
- Broad beans prefer good, well-drained, fertile soil. Prepare the soil by adding plenty of compost and organic manure.
- Fill your container with soil.
- Make 1-inch holes in the potting soil of your container.
- Place the seeds in the holes, then cover them loosely with potting soil, and water gently.
- The seeds germinate better in humid conditions, so it's a good idea to keep the container covered.
- You have to check the moisture in the soil every two days. Never let the soil dry out.
- The seeds germinate better if the moisture level is slightly on the lower side.
- From 3 to 5 days, the seedlings will emerge out from the soil.
Caring of Broad Bean Plants
As the plants continue growing, use bamboo canes to support the growing broad beans by tying them to the cane with garden twine.
Once the first broad beans appear, you have to cut off the top of the plant 3 inches, about 7.5 cm. This will help your broad bean plant to be harvested earlier and will reduces the chance of attacks from black fly.
Broad bean grow well in full sunlight, so the soil in the container can dry out very fast. You have to mulch the container heavily to avoid the soil to dry fast.
Keep the soil moist and never let it dry out.
Common Problems of Broad Beans
Black bean aphid
Black bean aphid is the main potential problem for the plant. Pinching out the tops once pods start to form is an important preventative measure.
Chocolate spot
Chocolate spot is the most important disease of faba beans. If the leaves appear blotchy with brown spots, your plants may have a bout of chocolate spot. You need to give the plants lots of space and air if the spots do appear.
Broad bean rust
Broad bean rust is one of the most common fungal diseases of broad bean leaves. The fungus causes small, dusty, dark brown spots surrounded by a pale yellow halo on leaves and stems. You have to maximise air flow around the plants by wider spacing and avoid damp, humid sites.
Harvesting Broad Beans
You can start picking broad beans when the pods are around 5 to 8 cm, 2 to 3 inches long. At this size, the whole pod can be cooked and eaten. If you want to eat fresh broad beans in their pods, harvest them when they’re about 6 cm long, before they become tough or bitter. To eat them shelled, wait a little longer, until you can clearly see that the pods are bulging with beans.
Watch How to Harvest Broad Beans Video
From HERE, Big Selection of Broad Bean to Grow!
The journey of growing broad beans in containers is more than just a practical gardening solution—it's a connection to the cycles of nature, a tangible reminder that even the busiest city dwellers can play an active role in fostering a greener, healthier world. Whether you're harvesting the beans for a hearty meal or simply reveling in the joy of tending to your container garden, the experience is undeniably rewarding. So, as you embark on your container gardening adventure, armed with newfound knowledge and a touch of green inspiration, remember that each leaf, each flower, and each bean is a testament to the power of patience, care, and the indomitable spirit of growth. May your containers continue to brim with the vitality of nature, offering a slice of agricultural joy right at your doorstep. Happy gardening!
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Happy Gardening!
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