Faba Beans

Faba Beans

Vicia faba

Faba Beans are one of the oldest plants under cultivation, having been grown in ancient Greece and Rome. Unlike other beans, they prefer cool weather, allowing them to be planted and harvested much earlier. The Faba Bean is not really a bean at all, but a member of the pea-vetch family. It produces long pods filled with large, edible beans. This annual legume grows best under cool, moist conditions. Hot, dry weather is injurious to the crop, so early planting is important. Medium textured soils are ideally suited for Faba Bean production. The crop requires a good moisture supply for optimum yields, but Faba Beans do not tolerate standing water.