Broad beans (Vicia faba) are biennial crops requiring overwintering. They're insect-pollinated and need isolation from each other. Learn about crossing risks, the two-year growing cycle, and seed-saving techniques below.
New to terms like isolation distance or outcrossing? See the Seed-Saving Glossary.
Seed-Saving Difficulty
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Moderate Difficulty
Biennial crop requiring overwintering. Insect-pollinated with moderate crossing risk and isolation needs.
How It's Pollinated
Insect-pollinated (moderate outcrossing)
(Moderate crossing risk)
Scientific name:Vicia faba
Domestic Crops It Can Cross With
- All broad bean varieties cross with each other
- Fava bean / field bean -- same species (Vicia faba), just a field-scale variety group, and will cross with garden broad beans
- Keep separate from other Vicia species
Wild Relatives & Feral Species
Common wild relatives:
- Wild Vicia species (rarely present)
Separation Distances Required
Minimum: 50m between varieties
Recommended: 200m+ for pure seed
Strict: 500m+ guaranteed
Seed-Saving Strategies
- Biennial - plant year 1, overwinter, flower year 2
- Grow only one variety for seed per year
- Allow pods to dry completely on plant
- Harvest when pods are brown and papery