Description

Fava beans are dual-purpose! As a cover crop, fava beans have one of the highest nitrogen-fixing rates, and the large, deep roots break up even heavy clay and compacted soil. For maximum nitrogen, harvest crop at peak bloom and work back into the soil to increase level of organic material. Seeds can be sown in temperatures as low as 35°F, and plants are fast growing and very cold hardy. Fava sown after the summer solstice or in late summer/fall will produce tall plants but will not produce flowers. CAUTION: People deficient in an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) should not handle seeds, consume fava beans, or inhale its pollen.

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

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

This packet sows approximately 40 square feet. 40 sq ft