Broad Bean Plants

Advice for planting broad bean plants

If you want to incorporate a nutritious and versatile addition to your garden or allotment, look no further than our broad bean plants.

Growing broad bean plants is a rewarding experience for both your garden and your kitchen. Broad beans aren't just a nutritious addition to your diet, they also improve soil health. That makes them a wise choice for any gardener. So, where do you start when planting
broad bean plants?

Planting

Broad bean plants should be put in the ground as soon as they arrive. Simply give the roots a spray with water
and choose a sunny spot with no obstructions, planting them in well-draining, rich soil.

This is one of the simplest plants to cultivate as long as
you avoid cold or overly damp soil. Be sure to water the area lightly after planting.

Maintenance

The great news is that broad bean plants are low maintenance. Simply keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering. If your broad bean plants are tall, consider supporting them with stakes or a trellis if you notice them leaning.

Lastly, keep an eye out for common pests like blackfly and bean weevils. Blackfly clusters are often visible on the undersides of leaves, while U-shaped notches in leaves or small, round holes in the developing beans are signs of weevils.

Harvesting

Broad beans can often be harvested within 10 weeks if you plant in early spring, but the timing depends on your personal preference. If you like tender beans, harvest when the pods are still young, but if you prefer mature beans, allow the pods to grow larger and harvest 14-16 weeks after planting.

Types of broad bean plant

You may be questioning which broad bean plants are the best for your outdoor space. Here are the different types you can choose from.

Aquadulce Claudia

A favourite among avid gardeners, the Aquadulce Claudia broad bean variety is hardy with a robust structure that only tends to need support in exposed or windy areas.

It can withstand colder temperatures, which means it can be planted in both autumn and spring. This is a high-yield variety and is loved for its tender texture and great flavour. Expect long, straight pods that contain 4-6 beans each.

Broad Bean De Monica

Vigorous and sturdy, the Broad Bean De Monica plant is bushy in appearance and typically needs minimal support to thrive. It produces medium-to-large pods that contain 4-6 beans each. This broad bean plant thrives in full sunlight and boasts flavourful produce that adds diversity to any garden.

Robin Hood

Compact and flavourful, the Robin Hood broad bean plant is a dwarf variety and grows only to a height of 1-2 feet. It's ideal for smaller gardens or outdoor spaces, is straightforward to grow, and yields delicious beans. You can expect 4-6 beans in each pod.

The Sutton

Another ideal option for gardens with limited space, the Sutton broad bean variety produces plentiful tender beans. It's a delightful addition to any garden thanks to what it can bring to your plate and because of its versatility. It will reach a height of around 12-18 inches.

Luz De Otono

If it's long, tasty and high-quality pods you desire, look
no further than our Luz De Otono broad bean plant. Famous for its vigorous growth, this variety produces 5-7 medium-to-large beans and can grow to heights of around 3-4 feet. Please note that it may require staking if it is to withstand windy conditions.

Enjoying your broad beans

Whether eaten fresh, dried or cooked, broad beans are a superb addition to your culinary repertoire. They go wonderfully in salads and risottos, but you can also blend them into a puree to make pesto and pasta sauces.

If you have an especially large harvest, blanch the beans in hot water and store them in air-tight freezer bags.

Why buy broad bean plants from Marshalls Garden?

• It's our expertise and knowledge that sets us apart as the go-to place to buy broad bean plants. With over 75 years of experience, you can rely on us for excellent service every time.
• Quality is our top priority, which is we guarantee 100% satisfaction. Our express delivery service takes the hassle out of shopping for high-quality broad bean plants.
• We share our expertise with enthusiastic gardeners through our growing guides, which are packed with tips to help you create a rewarding outdoor space. Get in touch if you have any questions.
• At the Great British Growing Awards, we were recognised with the Silver Award for Best Online Retailer. See what our happy customers have to say about us in our Trustpilot reviews.