Vicia faba

Faba bean or broad bean is a self-fertile, widely cultivated annual legume in the Fabaceae (bean) family.  Grown primarily for its nutritious seeds and pods which are high in protein and consumed by millions of people throughout the world. Legumes also have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air and are often used as a cover crop.

It is a stiffly erect plant that grows 2-6 feet tall and prefers moist loams but is tolerant of clay and saline soils and once established, drought. Four to five months are needed between sowing seed and harvesting.  This cool season crop can be grown in most climates, however,  temperatures in the 60's are ideal.  In locations where the daytime temperatures exceed the mid 70's may result in poor yeild unless planted at a time when temperatures are milder.  In areas that experience dry, hot weather, this plant may not be a good choice.

Two subspecies are grown.  Vicia faba var. major (broad beans) has large seeds, and is grown as a vegetable for human consumption.  It can be used in soups, stews, salads and side dishes.  Vicia faba var. minor (horse beans or field beans) is grown for feeding livestock. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Both beneficial and pest insects feed on the nectar.  Susceptible to damage from aphids.   Ingestion can be poisonous to some individuals. Inhalation of the pollen or ingestion of the seeds may cause favism, which is a severe anemia destroying red blood cells. This only occurs in cases of excessive consumption of the raw seed or breathing the pollen in people with a genetic disposition towards the disease.