Broad Bean 'Aquadulce Claudia'

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 also grow well 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.

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, 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
'Aquadulce Claudia' is particularly hardy and one of the best broad beans for overwintering, but newly planted plugs can still benefit from protection while they establish. In colder or exposed gardens, cover young plants with horticultural fleece during periods of severe frost or cold winds.

Good drainage is especially important through winter. Avoid allowing plants to sit in waterlogged soil, 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' has sturdy, upright growth but can become top-heavy as its impressively long pods develop. In exposed positions, place sturdy canes or stakes around the outside of the row and run garden twine between them, adding further lines as the plants grow. Supporting the stems helps prevent damage from wind and the weight of the developing crop.

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
Broad beans grow well alongside leafy crops such as lettuce and spinach, which can make use of the space around the base of the plants. Aromatic herbs and flowering plants such as calendula can also help attract beneficial insects into your vegetable garden.

Plan Your Vegetable Bed
Broad beans are tall, upright plants, so position them where they won't shade smaller crops unnecessarily. A sheltered part of the plot is especially useful, as mature plants can become top-heavy once the long pods begin to fill.

Crop Rotation
Avoid growing broad beans or other legumes in exactly the same spot year after year. Rotate them with other vegetable groups to help reduce the build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases and keep your vegetable plot productive.

Pick While the Beans Are Young
Harvest the pods once the beans inside have begun to swell but while they're still young and tender. Although 'Aquadulce Claudia' produces impressively long pods up to around 23cm (9in), don't wait for every pod to reach its maximum size before picking.

Start at the Bottom
The lowest pods usually mature first, so begin harvesting there and work your way upwards as the crop develops.

Pick Little and Often
Regular harvesting lets you enjoy the beans while they're at their sweetest and most tender and prevents mature pods from being left on the plants for too long.

Try the Young Pods Whole
Very young, tender pods can be cooked and eaten whole before the beans inside become large.

Top Tip
Don't judge readiness by pod length alone. Gently feel along the pod – the beans inside should feel nicely plump but not large and hard.

Flavour
'Aquadulce Claudia' has tender pale beans with a fresh, sweet and slightly nutty flavour. They're particularly good picked young, before the beans become larger and starchier.

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 at their best as soon 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
For the sweetest flavour, pick little and often rather than allowing the whole crop to mature at once.

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.