Windsor Fava Bean
Best cool-weather crop for gardeners seeking versatile, high-yield shell beans.
Discover the Windsor Fava Bean, a robust variety known for its large, plump beans and impressive heat tolerance, though it thrives in cooler weather. As a relative of vetch with a long cultivation history, these plants grow 3-4 feet tall, producing pods with 4-5 elongated beans from distinctive white and black flowers. Use them as green shell beans, similar to limas, or allow them to dry. In mild climates, a fall/winter harvest is possible with late planting. Sow in spring when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F for a July harvest.
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#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-54%
Below average
Botanical Name
Vicia faba
/ Vicia faba
Who it's for
- Home cooks prioritizing gourmet flavor and fresh garden harvests
- Organic gardeners looking to naturally boost soil fertility
- Cool-climate growers eager to start their spring planting early
Who should skip it
- Busy cooks seeking quick, effortless vegetable preparation
- Gardeners wanting a low-maintenance, pest-free growing experience
- Farmers in hot climates with long, sweltering summers
Performance breakdown
Climate Versatility
Impressive heat tolerance extends the growing window beyond typical cool-season crops.
Culinary Flexibility
Excellent as fresh shell beans or dried for long-term pantry storage.
Yield Potential
Sturdy three-foot plants produce reliable pods with consistent bean counts.
Germination Reliability
Standard two-week window ensures predictable emergence in properly warmed soil.
Ornamental Value
Striking black and white blooms provide aesthetic appeal in the garden.
Seed Viability
Open-pollinated genetics allow for easy seed saving for future seasons.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Vicia faba
Days to Maturity
75 days
Planting Season
Spring
Seed Form
Loose Seeds
Variety Type
Open-Pollinated
Seed Count
30 seeds
Plant Height
3-4 feet
Water Needs
Moderate, adequate, even moisture
Features
- Large, plump beans for a satisfying harvest.
- Tolerates heat, performs best in cool weather.
- Versatile use as shell or dried beans.
- Suitable for fall/winter harvest in mild climates.
- Distinctive white and black flowers add visual appeal.
- Aids plant health with inoculant addition.
- Open-pollinated for natural seed saving.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Windsor Fava Bean seeds for their exceptional reliability and robust quality. Gardeners frequently report very high germination rates, making planting a successful and satisfying experience. The resulting plants are noted for their vigorous growth and generous yields of large, flavorful beans. This dependable performance establishes the seeds as a superior value for money, ensuring a rewarding harvest that meets high expectations for both quantity and taste.
Know before you buy
Sow these seeds in early spring as soon as the soil reaches 50-55°F. In mild climates, you can also plant them for a fall or winter harvest.
They are quite versatile. You can harvest them as green shell beans—similar to limas—while they are plump, or leave them on the plant longer if you prefer to dry them for storage.
Windsor Fava plants typically reach 3-4 feet in height. While they are sturdy, you may want to provide light staking if your garden is in a particularly windy area.
While not strictly required, adding a legume inoculant at planting can help improve nitrogen fixation, which supports overall plant health and vigor.
Each pod typically produces 4-5 large, elongated beans. The pods themselves usually grow to about 6-7 inches in length.
Yes, because this is an open-pollinated variety, you can successfully save the seeds from your harvest to plant in future seasons.
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