Fava Bean Seeds - Santa Isabel
Best heat-tolerant fava bean for gardeners in warmer climates.
Discover the Santa Isabel Fava Bean Seeds, a unique variety collected from Ecuador, known for adapting better to warmer climates than most favas. These small-seeded beans feature a creamy-green color with occasional red accents. While they still struggle in extreme heat, they are a rewarding cool-weather crop. Sow these Small Farm Grown seeds directly into full sun and well-draining soil. Harvest smaller pods whole or shell larger ones. For best results, plant in fall or early spring, allowing 80 days until harvest.
$3.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
2999
/ 5887
#2999 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Botanical Name
Vicia faba
/ Vicia faba
Who it's for
- Home cooks who enjoy versatile, multi-stage vegetable harvests
- Organic gardeners focused on improving soil health and fertility
- Cool-climate growers seeking early spring or winter harvests
Who should skip it
- Gardeners looking for low-maintenance, pest-free crops
- Farmers in regions with early, intense summer heat
- Busy cooks preferring quick and easy meal preparation
Performance breakdown
Climate Adaptability
Outperforms standard fava varieties in warmer, challenging growing environments.
Harvest Versatility
Flexible harvest options allow for whole pods or shelled beans.
Germination Reliability
Standard sprout window requires consistent soil temperatures for optimal success.
Frost Resilience
Reliable cold-weather performance makes it a dependable early season choice.
Growth Management
Requires potential staking to maintain structure during the maturation phase.
Sourcing Quality
Small farm origins ensure high-quality, open-pollinated seed stock.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Vicia faba
Minimum Seeds per Packet
20
Packet Weight
14g
Planting Season
Fall or Early Spring
Seed Depth
1"
Days to Harvest
80
Sun Requirement
Full Sun
Direct Seed Spacing
4-6"
Features
- Adapted to warmer climates than most fava beans
- Creamy-green beans with occasional red ones
- Small-seeded variety from Ecuador
- May benefit from staking or trellising
- Small Farm Grown quality
- Can withstand some frost exposure
What customers say
Home gardeners express high satisfaction with Sow True Seed's Santa Isabel Fava Beans, primarily praising the exceptional germination rate and superior seed quality. Reviews consistently note near perfect sprouting success, establishing trust in the product. Gardeners report vigorous, healthy plants that establish quickly, even in cooler weather, confirming this variety's reliability for early planting. The mature beans receive high marks for their robust yield and superior culinary flavor, often described as sweet and tender. This excellent flavor profile drives repeat purchases. Customers also commend the supplier for reliable packaging and timely delivery. The core appeal centers on high viability, excellent varietal performance, and trustworthy sourcing, making these a top choice for fava bean enthusiasts seeking quality.
Know before you buy
The Santa Isabel variety is specifically adapted to warmer climates than most traditional favas. While they still require cool weather to thrive, they offer better heat tolerance for gardeners in milder regions.
You should plant these seeds in either the fall or early spring. They perform best when soil temperatures are between 45 and 70 ℉.
While not strictly required, these plants may benefit from staking or trellising to keep them upright as they grow. This helps manage their height and keeps the pods off the ground.
You have two options depending on your preference: harvest the pods while they are small to eat them whole, or wait until they are larger to shell the beans inside. The crop typically reaches maturity in about 80 days.
No, this variety is not recommended for container gardening. They require direct sowing into well-draining soil in a full-sun location to thrive.
Yes, the Santa Isabel variety is frost-tolerant. They are well-suited for cool-weather growing, though they should still be protected from extreme heat.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$4