Broad Bean Collection

Where to Plant
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Good drainage is particularly important for autumn-planted broad beans, so avoid cold, waterlogged ground. Before planting, remove weeds and work in plenty of well-rotted garden compost or manure to improve the soil and help it hold moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Planting
Space plants around 20cm apart, with approximately 45–60cm between rows. Broad beans can also be planted in staggered double rows, which helps the plants support one another and makes staking easier. Plant each plug so the surface of the compost sits level with the surrounding soil, gently firm around the roots and water thoroughly. Keep newly planted plugs watered while they establish, particularly during dry autumn weather.

Growing in Containers
If space is limited, 'The Sutton' is the best choice from this collection for containers thanks to its compact, dwarf habit. Choose a large, stable pot with good drainage and fill with good-quality multipurpose or vegetable-growing compost. Keep container-grown plants well watered, particularly once flowering begins and the pods start to develop.

Watering & Feeding
Once established, broad beans generally need little additional watering during cool, damp weather. Water thoroughly during prolonged dry spells and pay particular attention once flowering begins and the pods start to swell, as a lack of moisture at this stage can reduce pod development. Water at the base of the plants where possible rather than repeatedly wetting the foliage.

Broad beans growing in fertile soil usually need little additional feeding. Well-rotted compost or manure added before planting will help provide the nutrients they need. If growth is poor, or plants are being grown in containers, apply a high-potash liquid feed, such as tomato feed, once flowering begins to support flowering and pod development. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, as these can encourage lots of leafy growth at the expense of flowers and beans.

Winter Protection
These broad beans are hardy and suitable for autumn planting, but young plants can benefit from some protection while they establish. In colder or exposed gardens, cover plants with horticultural fleece during periods of severe frost or cold winds. 'Aquadulce Claudia' is particularly well known for its excellent winter hardiness.

Good drainage is just as important as protection from frost. Avoid allowing plants to sit in waterlogged soil over winter, as prolonged cold and wet conditions can damage the roots. Check plants after severe weather and gently firm them back into the soil if frost has lifted them.

Supporting Your Plants
'Aquadulce Claudia' and 'De Monica' are tall varieties and will benefit from support as they grow. Place sturdy canes or stakes around the outside of the rows and run garden twine between them, adding further lines as the plants get taller. Compact 'The Sutton' usually needs little support, although twiggy sticks or short canes can help in particularly exposed positions.

Pinching Out
Once the lowest flowers have formed small pods, pinch out the soft growing tips. This encourages the plants to concentrate their energy on the developing pods and removes the tender new growth favoured by black bean aphids. The young tips are edible too and can be lightly steamed or stir-fried.

Pests & Problems
Keep an eye on the soft growing tips for black bean aphids, particularly from spring onwards. Small colonies can be removed by hand, while encouraging natural predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies can help keep populations under control.

Broad beans can also be affected by chocolate spot and rust, particularly in damp or humid conditions. Give plants enough space for good air circulation, avoid overcrowding and remove badly affected leaves if problems develop.

Good Companions
Grow broad beans alongside lower-growing crops such as lettuce and spinach, which can make use of the space around the plants. Flowers such as calendula can also help attract pollinators and other beneficial insects into your vegetable garden.

Plan Your Vegetable Bed
'Aquadulce Claudia' and 'De Monica' are tall varieties, so consider where their shadow will fall as the plants mature. Position shorter, sun-loving vegetables where they won't become heavily shaded. Compact 'The Sutton' is particularly useful where space is limited or alongside lower-growing crops.

Crop Rotation
Broad beans belong to the legume family, so avoid growing broad beans, peas or other legumes in exactly the same position year after year. Rotate them with other vegetable groups to help reduce the build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases.

After Harvest
Broad beans form nitrogen-fixing nodules on their roots. Once cropping has finished, cut the plants off at soil level and leave the roots in the ground to break down naturally. Healthy top growth can be added to your compost heap.

Top Tip:
Broad beans finish relatively early in the growing season, so have a follow-on crop ready to make productive use of the space after your final harvest.

When to Harvest
Autumn planting gives your broad beans a valuable head start, with early harvests possible from late spring. The lowest pods generally mature first, so start checking these as the beans begin to swell.

Pick Young for the Best Flavour
Harvest while the pods are well filled but the beans inside are still young and tender. Smaller beans are generally sweeter and more tender than those left to become fully mature.

Try Young Pods Whole
Very young, immature pods can be harvested at around 7cm (3in) long and cooked whole before the beans inside become large.

Check the Beans
As broad beans mature, the small scar where each bean was attached to the pod changes from pale green or white to darker in colour. Harvest while this mark is still pale if you want the beans at their most tender.

Harvest Carefully
Pick regularly as the crop develops. Use scissors or secateurs, or carefully snap the pods from the plant, rather than tugging them and risking damage to the stems.

Top Tip:
Don't wait for every pod to reach maximum size. Regular picking lets you enjoy the beans while they're young, sweet and tender.

Flavour
All three varieties produce tender broad beans with a fresh, slightly sweet flavour, particularly when picked young. 'Aquadulce Claudia' is also noted for its slightly nutty flavour, while 'De Monica' produces particularly large, tender beans.

Best Enjoyed
Steam or boil young beans briefly and serve simply with butter, or add them to salads, risottos, pasta dishes, soups and seasonal vegetable dishes. Larger beans can be slipped from their outer skins after cooking for an even softer texture.

Storage
Broad beans are best enjoyed as fresh as possible after picking. Store unshelled pods in the fridge for a few days and shell them shortly before cooking.

Freezing
Broad beans freeze well. Shell the beans, blanch briefly in boiling water, cool quickly in iced water, drain thoroughly and freeze in portions.

Top Tip:
With three varieties to harvest, pick little and often and enjoy the youngest beans fresh while freezing any surplus for later.

Plug Plants
Supplied as healthy young plants with well-developed roots, plug plants are ready to be planted straight into their final growing position or potted on if preferred. Water well on arrival and keep the compost evenly moist while they establish.

Garden Ready Plants
Our Garden Ready plants have been professionally grown on, making them larger, stronger and ready to plant straight into the garden. They establish quickly, giving you a useful head start towards your harvest.

9cm Potted Plants
Supplied in individual 9cm nursery pots, these well-established plants are ready to plant straight into vegetable gardens, raised beds or allotments. Simply plant, water thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist while they settle in.

Upon Arrival
Remove your plants from their packaging as soon as they arrive and give them a thorough watering. If you can't plant them immediately, keep them in a cool, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and drying winds, ensuring the compost remains moist until you're ready to plant.