About
This upright, bushy, half-hardy annual grown for its edible broad beans to around 100cm in height. Sow from February to May for harvesting from June to September. This early-season variety produces masses of black-white flowers in summer, followed by high yields of short, glossy green pods containing 5 large, full-flavoured beans per pod.
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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Fruit Edible
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mice, blackfly (black aphid) and pea and bean weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Broad bean chocolate spot