Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
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not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
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Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
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Description
A centuries-old English heirloom, Broad Windsor is one of the most prized fava beans for its large pods, rich flavor, and reliable yields. The sturdy, upright plants grow 36–48 inches tall, producing thick pods up to 8 inches long, each filled with 4–6 broad, pale green beans of exceptional size and taste.
Renowned for their buttery, nut-like flavor, these beans are delicious fresh, dried, or frozen, and can be enjoyed in soups, stews, or as tender young beans sautéed with herbs and olive oil. When left to mature, they dry beautifully for long-term storage and protein-rich winter meals.
Believed to have been cultivated in Britain since the 13th century, Broad Windsor remains the gold standard among fava beans for cool-weather production. Its combination of cold hardiness, superior flavor, and nitrogen-fixing ability makes it a cornerstone for sustainable gardeners and chefs seeking traditional European flavor at its finest.
Beautiful packaging and cannot wait to use these seeds. My order got here quick and without any issues, everything was safe and sound.
Planting Instructions:
Location Selection: Choose a location with full sun for optimal growth. Fava beans thrive in cooler weather and can be planted in early spring or fall.
Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter. Fava beans prefer loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sowing Seeds:
Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or fall. Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 6 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart.
Germination: Seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil during this period.
Care Instructions:
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Fava beans do not tolerate drought well.
Fertilizing: Fava beans generally do not require much fertilization as they fix their own nitrogen. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of pod production.
Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pests and Diseases: Fava beans can be affected by pests such as aphids and diseases like chocolate spot. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with appropriate organic or chemical controls are recommended.
Special Considerations:
Harvesting: Harvest fava beans when the pods are fully mature but still green. For the best flavor, cook the beans before eating.
How to Grow — Fava Beans (Vicia faba)
Fava beans flourish in the cool shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, when most other legumes struggle. They prefer crisp air, even moisture, and fertile soil that stays damp but never soggy. Their growth is upright and deliberate, with stately stems that stand more like wheat than vining beans. Careful attention through the flowering and pod-setting stages brings heavy yields of buttery, nutty beans.
Soil & Fertility Management
Favas favor deep, moisture-retentive loam, rich in organic matter and well aerated. Heavy clay may be improved by adding compost, leaf mold, or coarse sand before planting. Avoid soils prone to waterlogging; fava roots cannot tolerate standing water.
Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or well-aged manure, but avoid strong nitrogen sources. Favas form their own nitrogen through root nodules — too much added nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of pods.
As plants begin to bud, side-dress with compost, seaweed meal, or bone meal to support flower and pod formation. Because favas grow in cooler months when microbial activity slows, these slower-release organics provide balanced feeding through the season.
Watering & Moisture Control
Consistent soil moisture is essential for strong pod set. Water deeply once or twice weekly to keep the soil evenly moist, providing roughly 1 inch per week, more during dry winds or warm spells.
Avoid allowing soil to dry out, as this triggers flower drop and small, misshapen pods. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses work best, keeping water off the foliage to reduce fungal risk. Mulch early with straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and maintain even soil temperature.
Temperature & Seasonal Timing
Favas prefer daytime temperatures between 55–75°F (13–24°C). Heat above 80°F stresses the plants and shortens their lifespan, while mild frosts are usually tolerated. In hot climates, plant in late fall for a winter or early-spring crop; in cooler regions, sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked.
During unseasonal warmth, shade cloth or interplanting with taller greens like kale can help keep soil cool. Fava beans will stop flowering in hot weather but resume once conditions moderate.
Support & Pruning
Most fava varieties grow upright to 3–4 feet but may lodge under wind or heavy pod weight. Provide support with twine strung between stakes along rows, or surround each row with a low mesh fence.
Once pods begin to set, pinch off the top 2–3 inches of each plant. This redirects energy from vegetative growth to pod filling and also discourages aphid infestations, which prefer tender new tips. The pruned tops are edible — lightly steamed, they make a delicate spring green.
Feeding & Midseason Renewal
Favas benefit from a midseason boost once flowering begins. Water with compost tea or diluted fish emulsion to maintain vigor through pod development. Avoid heavy feedings, which can upset the soil nitrogen balance.
If leaves pale or lower foliage yellows early, apply a top-dress of worm castings or seaweed extract to restore trace minerals and improve resilience.
Pest & Disease Management
Aphids are the chief foe of fava beans, especially in mild, humid weather. Check the undersides of leaves and shoot tips weekly. For light infestations, pinch or wash them off with a strong jet of water. For heavier pressure, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, targeting clusters early in the day.
Encourage natural predators such as lady beetles, lacewings, and hoverflies by interplanting flowers like dill, alyssum, or calendula.
Fungal diseases such as rust and chocolate spot may appear in wet weather. Maintain good airflow between rows, avoid overhead watering, and rotate fava plantings yearly to fresh ground.
Harvest Management & Crop Longevity
Harvest young pods when they are plump but still green for the most tender flavor. For shell beans, wait until seeds swell fully but pods remain supple. For dry beans, allow pods to mature and dry brown on the plant, then pull the entire stalk before heavy rain and hang to finish drying under cover.
Pick regularly to encourage new pods. Mature seeds left on the plant too long signal the end of the plant’s productivity.
Late-Season Renewal & Soil Care
After harvest, cut plants at the base rather than uprooting them. The remaining root nodules enrich the soil with nitrogen for the following crop. Chopped fava tops make an excellent green manure when turned lightly into the soil or composted.
If fall-growing, mulch deeply before hard frost. In milder climates, favas overwinter well under straw, producing early spring harvests the following year.
General Growing Rhythm
Keep soil cool, moist, and rich in organic matter.
Pinch plant tips at first pod set to strengthen yield and deter aphids.
Maintain steady watering, especially during flowering.
Harvest often to extend the productive period.
After harvest, leave roots in place to improve soil fertility naturally.
Harvesting
Pick when pods swell full and green for fresh use, or dry brown for seed. Harvest regularly to maintain production.
Flavor & Culinary Notes
Rich, meaty texture and earthy-sweet flavor. Excellent sautéed, in stews, or mashed with olive oil and herbs.
Handling & Storage
Refrigerate fresh pods up to 4 days. Dry beans store for years sealed and cool.
Growing & Maintenance
Support: Tall and upright; stake or use twine in windy conditions.
Soil and feeding: Fertile soil with compost; dislikes heat.
Watering: Consistent moisture, 1 inch weekly.
Inoculation: Fava-type Rhizobium inoculant recommended.
Succession: Best grown spring or fall; avoid midsummer heat.
Seed Saving
Allow pods to brown completely before shelling. Dry to 8% moisture and store cool.
Container Tips
Grow 2 plants in 10-gallon pots; keep soil cool and moist.
Common Pairings in the Garden
Pairs nicely with leafy greens and carrots. Avoid garlic and onions.
Extended Season Care
Mulch and use row cover for frost protection in early or late plantings.
Common Pests & Problems — Fava – Broad Windsor
Insect Pests
Aphids (Black Bean Aphid):
The most persistent pest for Broad Windsor favas. They cluster on shoot tips and undersides of leaves, sucking sap and spreading viral diseases. Pinch off infested tops, rinse plants with water, and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed. Beneficial insects like lady beetles and hoverflies help control outbreaks.
Pea and Bean Weevils:
Adults create notched leaf edges; larvae feed on roots and nitrogen-fixing nodules. Rotate crops annually and encourage natural predators like ground beetles.
Cutworms:
Feed at the soil surface, cutting young seedlings at the base. Protect plants with collars and keep the garden bed weed-free.
Thrips:
Scrape and silver the surface of leaves and flowers, especially in dry weather. Maintain even moisture and remove affected foliage.
Leaf Miners:
Create winding tunnels inside leaves. Remove and destroy affected leaves promptly to reduce reinfestation.
Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
Chocolate Spot (Botrytis fabae):
A major fava bean disease causing brown patches that expand in humid weather. Avoid overhead watering, improve airflow, and rotate crops for 3–4 years. Remove infected debris immediately.
Rust:
Orange pustules appear on leaves and stems, reducing photosynthesis. Remove infected leaves, water early in the day, and space plants to promote air movement.
Downy Mildew:
Yellow blotches appear on the upper leaf surface with grayish mold beneath. Provide good ventilation and avoid excessive humidity.
Root Rot (Fusarium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia):
Causes stunted growth, yellowing, and rotting roots in wet soils. Plant in well-drained beds and avoid overwatering.
Bean Mosaic Virus:
Leads to mottled, puckered leaves and reduced yields. Control aphid populations to limit spread and remove infected plants.
Physiological and Environmental Issues
Heat Stress:
Fava beans prefer cool weather and may fail to set pods in temperatures above 85°F. Plant early in spring or fall for best results.
Poor Pod Development:
Inconsistent watering during flowering reduces pollination and seed fill. Maintain steady moisture during bloom.
Nitrogen Deficiency:
Yellowing lower leaves may indicate poor nodulation. Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium leguminosarum before planting.
Frost Injury:
Though Broad Windsor tolerates light frost, severe freezes may damage blooms and young pods. Use row covers or mulch for protection during cold snaps.
Integrated Management Tips
Rotate fava beans and other legumes every 3–4 years.
Water deeply at the soil base in the morning to keep foliage dry.
Mulch to maintain moisture and prevent soil splash.
Remove crop residues promptly after harvest to reduce disease carryover.
Inspect plants weekly for aphids and early disease symptoms, treating promptly.
Q: What makes Broad Windsor fava beans unique?
A: Broad Windsor is one of the oldest and most widely grown fava bean varieties in Europe. It is known for its large, meaty seeds, rich flavor, and adaptability to cool, damp climates.
Q: Are Broad Windsor fava beans heirloom or hybrid?
A: They are a traditional heirloom variety, cultivated in England since at least the 18th century and still used as the standard for fava beans today.
Q: How long do Broad Windsor fava beans take to mature?
A: They typically mature in 90–100 days from sowing, depending on climate and soil fertility.
Q: What is the growth habit of Broad Windsor fava beans?
A: Broad Windsor plants are upright and sturdy, reaching 3–4 feet tall with thick stems and large, 6–8 inch pods containing 4–6 seeds each.
Q: Can Broad Windsor fava beans tolerate cold weather?
A: Yes. They are one of the hardiest fava types, often sown in fall for overwintering in temperate regions or planted early in spring.
Q: What do Broad Windsor fava beans taste like?
A: The beans have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor with a creamy texture when cooked. Younger beans are milder, while mature beans offer a deeper, more savory taste.
Q: How should Broad Windsor fava beans be harvested?
A: For fresh use, harvest pods when fully formed but still green. For dry storage, allow pods to dry and turn brown on the plant before shelling.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Broad Windsor fava beans?
A: They grow best in cool weather with full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Avoid planting in hot midsummer temperatures, as heat can reduce pod set.
Q: Do Broad Windsor fava beans enrich the soil?
A: Yes. Like all fava beans, they fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility for subsequent crops.
History & Culture — Fava – Broad Windsor (Vicia faba)
Broad Windsor is one of the oldest and most enduring fava bean varieties (Vicia faba), with a documented history in England dating back to at least the 18th century. The fava, or broad bean, itself has roots far older—originating in the Fertile Crescent roughly 8,000 years ago and spreading across Europe, North Africa, and Asia through early agricultural exchange.
By the time of its English refinement, Broad Windsor had already become a staple in peasant and noble gardens alike. It was prized for its large, meaty seeds and adaptability to cool, damp climates, often planted in autumn and overwintered for spring harvests. The variety’s name refers to both its wide pods and its popularity in the town of Windsor, which was a noted center of horticultural breeding during the Georgian period.
Broad Windsor’s mild, nutty flavor and high protein content made it indispensable to European diets before the rise of New World legumes. Its enduring cultivation today reflects both its historical resilience and its continued value as a cool-season crop with ancient lineage and timeless utility.
Saving seeds from Broad Windsor Fava Beans (Vicia faba):
1. Selecting Plants for Seed Saving:
Choose healthy plants with vigorous growth and abundant pods.
Avoid plants showing signs of disease or poor growth.
2. Harvesting Seeds:
Timing: Allow the pods to mature and dry on the plant.
Collection: Harvest the dry pods on a dry day.
3. Drying Seeds:
Place the pods in a well-ventilated, dry area. Allow them to dry completely for one to two weeks.
4. Cleaning Seeds:
Separation: Shell the dry pods to release the seeds.
Inspection: Ensure seeds are clean and free from mold or pests.
5. Storing Seeds:
Containers: Store seeds in labeled paper envelopes or airtight containers.
Storage Conditions: Keep in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Viability: Use seeds within two to three years for best results.
6. Testing Seed Viability:
Test by placing seeds on a damp paper towel in a plastic bag in a warm place and check for germination.
Tips for Successful Seed Saving:
Isolation: Maintain distance between different fava bean varieties.
Pollinators: Encourage pollinators for better seed production.
Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of the process.
Uses and Benefits:
Broad Windsor Fava Beans (Vicia faba) are versatile legumes often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. They have a rich, buttery flavor and are excellent in soups, stews, and salads.
Fava beans provide protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall health. Broad Windsor Fava Beans can be used fresh or dried, adding nutrition and flavor to various dishes.
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Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.
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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers
Bean Seeds - Bush - Fava - Broad Windsor
$200 USD
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
A centuries-old English heirloom, Broad Windsor is one of the most prized fava beans for its large pods, rich flavor, and reliable yields. The sturdy, upright plants grow 36–48 inches tall, producing thick pods up to 8 inches long, each filled with 4–6 broad, pale green beans of exceptional size and taste.
Renowned for their buttery, nut-like flavor, these beans are delicious fresh, dried, or frozen, and can be enjoyed in soups, stews, or as tender young beans sautéed with herbs and olive oil. When left to mature, they dry beautifully for long-term storage and protein-rich winter meals.
Believed to have been cultivated in Britain since the 13th century, Broad Windsor remains the gold standard among fava beans for cool-weather production. Its combination of cold hardiness, superior flavor, and nitrogen-fixing ability makes it a cornerstone for sustainable gardeners and chefs seeking traditional European flavor at its finest.
