Bean, Broad Coles Early Dwarf

(Vicia faba)

A heavy cropping variety growing about 1.5m with medium sized pods. Full of flavour and a strong hardy grower. Broad beans like a rich, well dug soil but most soils will give a satisfactory crop. If possible feed the soil before sowing with a general fertiliser. Hardy annual.

When to plant: Early Autumn to late Winter.
How to grow: Prepare double rows 30cm (1ft) apart, 5cm (2in) deep, sowing seeds 25cm (10in) apart. If more than one double row is to be planted allow 60cm (2ft) between them. Pinch out the top of the plants when pods are 7-10cm (3-4in) long. This will encourage an earlier crop of well filled pods and help to deter blackfly. Flower drop is a common problem in early Spring due to low temperatures. Pod-setting improves with warmer weather and increased bee activity.
Harvest: Pick reguarly to ensure a continuous supply.