Description

Fava Bean Sweet Lorane Improved is a powerful dual-purpose cover crop that excels in cold climates. Known for its excellent nitrogen-fixing capabilities and cold hardiness, this variety of fava bean can be sown in temperatures as low as 35°F, making it perfect for early spring or late summer/fall planting. The large, deep roots help break up heavy clay and compacted soil, improving soil structure and increasing organic matter. With fast growth and frost tolerance, fava beans are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enhance soil health before the main planting season. The white flowers with black centers not only provide spring nectar for beneficial insects but also signal a successful crop for nitrogen enrichment. CAUTION: People deficient in an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) should not handle seeds, consume fava beans, or inhale its pollen.

This packet sows approximately 40 square feet. 40 sq ft

Variety Info:

Botanical Name: Vicia faba
Days to Maturity: 30–60 days
Family: Fabaceae
Native: Unknown
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant annual
Plant Dimensions: 30″ tall, bushy shape; taller when grown in mild climates.
Variety Information: 'Sweet Lorane Improved' is a small-seeded fava and a cold-tolerant cover crop for very early spring or fall sowing; excellent nitrogen fixer. White flowers with black centers provide much sought-after spring nectar for beneficial insects. Fava bean roots work to break up the soil. Because fava beans can germinate in temperatures as low as 35°F, they have the potential to be grown and incorporated before spring planting.
Exposure: Full sun

Sowing Info:

When to Sow Outside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date for spring crop. For a fall crop, sow 4 to 6 weeks before your average first fall frost date. In mild climates, may overwinter; cold hardy as low as 20°F.
When to Start Inside: Not applicable.
Days to Emerge: 8–15 days
Seed Depth: 3″
Seed Spacing: 2–4 seeds per square foot
Thinning: Not required