Fava beans
Vicia faba
Also known asBroad beans · Faba beans · Horse beans · Habas · Fève
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 2–9 (winter low around -46°C)
- Frost
- very hardy (survives deep cold)
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| vegetative | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1.6 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1.8 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
One of the few legumes that thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for fall, winter, and early spring hydroponic production when warm-season crops are dormant. EC 1.5-2.5 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.5. Temperature: 10–22°C (grows actively in cold that would stall most other crops; tolerates light frost). Moderate light (DLI 14-20 mol/m2/day). Media beds or large containers (the plants grow 60–120 cm tall and need staking). Nitrogen fixation via Rhizobium leguminosarum may be absent in sterile hydroponic media; inoculate seeds or provide nitrogen through the nutrient solution. From seed to fresh bean harvest: 80-100 days. From seed to dry bean harvest: 120-150 days. Harvest fresh favas when pods are plump and bright green. For dried storage, leave pods on the plant until fully brown and dry, then shell and store. Chocolate spot (Botrytis fabae) is the main disease in humid conditions; good airflow and avoiding overhead wetting helps. Black bean aphids colonize stems and tips aggressively; monitor and treat early.