1. Aguadulce
Also known as ‘Aquadulce,’ this cultivar of V. faba var. major bears eight- to nine-inch pods containing seven to eight tan-colored seeds each.
‘Aguadulce’ plants reach three to four feet in height, and are cold hardy to about 15°F.
This heirloom cultivar has a shorter growing season, requiring just 70 to 90 days for a spring crop to mature.
‘Aguadulce’
You can purchase ‘Aguadulce’ seeds in an assortment of package sizes at True Leaf Market.
2. Bell
Typically used as a cover crop or for livestock forage, bell bean is a common name for V. faba var. minor.
These are also sometimes called “small-seeded horse beans.”
Plants reach two to five feet tall and are cold hardy to 25°F.
Bell Beans
Bell bean seeds can be purchased in a selection of package sizes from True Leaf Market.
3. Crimson Flowered
Also known as ‘Crimson Flowering,’ this V. faba var. major cultivar will stun and surprise fava aficionados with its magenta blooms.
And gardeners aren’t the only ones who’ll be delighted – these flowers are also highly attractive to pollinators.
The stout plants grow to about three feet tall and require little support.
‘Crimson Flowered’ reaches maturity in 90 days when grown in spring, and in 160 days for fall plantings, with seeds drying to a bright green hue.
4. Diana
‘Diana’ is a high-yielding variety of V. faba var. major.
Pods are three and a half to four inches long, produced on plants that are hardy to 10°F.
‘Diana’
‘Diana’ seeds are available in one-pound packs from C. S. Osborne and Company via Amazon.
5. Robin Hood
‘Robin Hood’ is a dwarf cultivar of V. faba var. major that grows only 12 to 18 inches tall.
This compact cultivar produces pods that contain four to six green seeds each, with spring crops maturing in 90 to 100 days.
6. Stereo
‘Stereo’ is a cultivar of V. faba var. major that is often grown for its tender, immature pods.
Plants reach three feet in height, bearing pods that contain five seeds each.
While most broad beans have tough seed coats that should be peeled prior to eating, ‘Stereo’ was bred for thin, tender skins.
This cultivar requires 95 days to maturity for spring-planted crops.
‘Stereo’
You’ll find ‘Stereo’ seeds available for purchase from Hirt’s Garden Store via Amazon.
7. Sweet Lorane
A highly productive and cold-hardy variety, ‘Sweet Lorane’ is likely a cultivar of V. faba var. equina, a variety of the species that are commonly known as “horse beans.”
This dual-purpose fava can be used as a cover crop, and to produce a tasty harvest.
Seeds are greenish to brown to tan, and half the size of broad beans. And they have thin skins which means they don’t need to be peeled before enjoying them.
Plants reach 30 inches tall, show good disease resistance, and are cold hardy to 10°F. When mulched, they may be able to survive temperatures as low as 0°F.
For ‘Sweet Lorane,’ count on 95 days to maturity for spring-sown crops, or 230 days for crops sown in fall.
‘Sweet Lorane’
You can purchase ‘Sweet Lorane’ seeds in 50-gram packets from Botanical Interests.
Seven Ways to Fall for Favas
Favas make fabulous garden plants, and with seven different recommended options to add to the garden, it’ll be hard to resist their charms.
Which type are you growing this year? Do you have any other favorite favas that you think should be included in this list? Let us know in the comments section below!
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