When to plant Broad Beans in Cambridge

Vicia faba

Broad Bean
Broad Bean · Vicia faba

A hardy crop for UK gardens. Sow named hardy types in autumn for an earlier crop next spring, or sow from late winter into spring for a main harvest. Pick pods young and often.

100 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Cambridge · last frost ≈ 7 May

Sow outdoors October to November, plant out November to December, harvest May to July. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Growing guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Sow once in autumn for an earlier crop next spring. Named hardy types only.

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    5 Oct to 9 Nov

    Sow during 5th October - 9th November, deep. Space apart, in double rows apart. Keep the soil just moist. This is one sowing, not a run of batches. Use named hardy types only. Do not use a spring-only variety.

    • Fleece if hard frost is forecast.
    • Skip this sowing if the bed sits wet.
    • Protect seed from mice and pigeons.

  2. 02

    Set Up Support

    19 Oct to 30 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Put stakes and string in from 19th October, before the plants grow tall.

  3. 03

    Plant Out Seedlings

    2 Nov to 21 Dec

    If you started in modules, harden off and plant out around 2nd November - 21st December. Skip this for direct-sown rows. Space apart, with between double rows.

  4. 04

    Water Well

    3 Apr to 27 Jul 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 3rd April 2027 to 27th July 2027, water in dry spells once growth restarts. Soak the soil well.

    • Once the lowest flowers have formed small pods, pinch out the soft growing tip. This can reduce blackfly.

  5. 05

    Harvest Pods

    3 May to 27 Jul 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Pods are ready next spring. Pick from 3rd May 2027 through 27th July 2027 while they are well filled but still tender.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Broad Bean to consider

Aquadulce Claudia

A hardy, reliable variety for autumn or spring sowing, with long pods and good winter resilience.

The Sutton

A compact dwarf variety that suits smaller plots and containers, with neat plants and a useful early crop.

Imperial Green Longpod

A popular tall variety with long pods and good yields, best with proper support.

Broad Bean guides by town

See how Broad Bean timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.