About
A very old heritage cultivar which can be sown in the autumn for harvesting the following spring and summer, or sown in spring for harvesting in the summer. Flowers are pinkish red, and pods are plentiful. Beans can also be dried for use. Reaches approximately 90cm in height, needs full sun and plenty of water when pods are setting for a good yield.
About the genus
Vicia are annuals, herbaceous perennials or climbers; leaves may be simple or divided into many small leaflets, often ending in a tendril. The yellow, purple, white or pink, pea-like flowers are produced in small clusters on the stem or in larger, upright sprays
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright, Climbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationDoes best in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, moist but well-drained soil, though most soils will produce an adequate crop. May be sown in Oct/Nov and protected overwinter with cloches, for an early harvest. Otherwise sow in February in pots in a cold greenhouse or in March/Apr outdoors. Plants may need support. See broad-bean cultivation for further advice
PruningPicking off the tips of the shoots can delay and reduce infestation by black bean aphid, and also improve the yield of beans
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to pea and bean weevil and black bean aphid. Stored seed may be susceptible to broad bean seed beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to broad bean rust and broad bean chocolate spot