What month do you plant broad beans?

Broad beans are straightforward to grow from seed, usually sown in late winter (indoors or outdoors with protection) or spring (outdoors), although in mild regions they can also be sown in late autumn.

How long does it take for broad beans to grow?

Growing broad beans: Broad bean plants take around 15 weeks from sowing to harvest (around 30 weeks for autumn sowings). They will become top heavy very quickly once the pods start to develop. While the plants are still young, add a support structure.

Can you sow broad beans in winter?

Broad beans prefer cool weather, so you can start planting them in autumn. They’ll grow right through winter. Plant every 4 weeks over the season to extend your harvest.

Can you grow broad beans all year round?

You can sow broad beans from autumn through to the end of winter, or autumn only in very warm places. Runner beans only grow well in cooler regions. Common beans may be sown from spring through to the end of summer, or all year round in the warmest climates.

How late can you sow broad beans?

Broad beans are normally sown in the spring, from February to April. However some varieties are particularly hardy and can be sown in autumn from October to November (provided that the soil is still reasonably warm).

Can I plant broad beans in January?

Broad beans are so hardy that they tolerate the January cold and frost. Plant them in small pots and transplant them when they start to grow, usually in April.

Do broad beans need a lot of water?

Broad beans can easily be grown in containers. Dwarf varieties such as Broad Bean ‘The Sutton’ are ideal for growing on the patio. They have deep root systems so choose a tall container to accommodate them, and be sure to keep them well watered throughout the growing season.

Do broad beans need to climb?

Support broad beans when they start to grow Now that the broad beans have started to grow they need to be supported, as broad beans are not climbers you would have to support each plant if you used pea sticks or canes. The easiest way is to enclose the whole row.

Can broad bean plants survive frost?

Broad beans have an incredible capacity to withstand winter weather. Hardy down to an icy -10°C (14°F), these rugged members of the legume family are able to germinate at just 2°C (36°F).

When to plant overwintering broad beans?

Broad beans can be sown for overwintering during September, October, or November, but I tend to wait until November as I find earlier sowings can grow quite big and then get battered by severe winter weather.

Is it too late to sow broad beans in May?

Sowing broad beans Indoors For a really early crop, sow seeds in individual cells or pots of seed and sowing compost in February. Seedlings will be ready for planting out in March. Further sowings can be made during April and May for successional crops into early autumn.

Can I sow broad beans in February?