FAVA BEAN Green Manure Seeds
Fava bean (Vicia faba), also known as broad bean, tic bean, horse bean, or bell bean, is a cool-season legume that’s perfect for green manure. It’s ideal for winter and early spring planting, especially in regions with regular rainfall. Fava bean improves soil structure, fixes nitrogen, and adds a generous amount of organic matter when dug back into the soil. It also tolerates frost and wet conditions, making it a reliable option for temperate and subtropical climates.
Plant Type:
- Cool season annual, frost and moisture tolerant
- Plant Height: Typically 70–120 cm
Sow When:
- Germinate best between 7–20°C soil temperature
- Temperate: February–June or August–October
- Subtropical: March–June
- Tropical: Not recommended
Germination:
- Depth: Sow seeds 3–5 cm deep
- Position: Full sun
- Sow Where: Directly into prepared garden beds or open fields; water in well and keep moist until established
Soil Type:
- Details: Prefers well-drained soil; adapts to a wide range of soil types including clay and sandy soils
Rows:
- Spacing: Broadcast or sow in rows 20–30 cm apart; lightly rake in for even coverage
Details:
- Growth Period: 8–12 weeks before incorporation
- Incorporation: Cut or mow before flowering and dig into the soil to boost organic matter and nitrogen levels
- Other Uses: Also grown for edible seeds, forage, and silage in mixed farming systems
