When to plant Broad Beans in London

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 London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Sow outdoors October to December, plant out November to January, harvest May to August. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYes
Plant outYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNo

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

    27 Oct to 1 Dec

    Sow during 27th October - 1st December, 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

    10 Nov to 22 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Put stakes and string in from 10th November, before the plants grow tall.

  3. 03

    Plant Out Seedlings

    24 Nov to 12 Jan 2027

    If you started in modules, harden off and plant out around 24th November - 12th January 2027. Skip this for direct-sown rows. Space apart, with between double rows.

  4. 04

    Water Well

    25 Apr to 18 Aug 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 25th April 2027 to 18th August 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

    25 May to 18 Aug 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Pods are ready next spring. Pick from 25th May 2027 through 18th August 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.