Growing Broad Beans at the Allotment

Growing Broad Beans at the Allotment

Growing broad beans is a favourite on the allotment and for good reason. These hearty legumes are easy to grow, even for first-time gardeners, and taste far better when picked fresh and cooked the same day. From tender young pods to large, satisfying beans, they’re a rewarding crop with minimal fuss.

With a little prep and regular harvesting, broad beans can produce a generous crop throughout the season. From dwarf varieties like The Sutton (ideal for windy spots) to classic Aquadulce Claudia (great for autumn sowing), there’s a type for every space and setup.

Whether you’re planting in beds, borders or containers, read on to learn how to grow broad beans in the UK!

How to Grow Broad Beans

Choose the Right Variety
Start by choosing a variety that suits your space and timing. Dwarf types like ‘The Sutton’ are compact and perfect for containers or exposed plots. ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ is ideal for autumn sowing, while ‘Windsor’ offers larger beans with great flavour. Other options include:

  • De Monica’ – early-maturing, good for spring sowing

  • ‘Masterpiece Green Longpod’ – long pods with vibrant green beans

  • ‘Crimson Flowered’ – heritage variety with striking blooms

When to Plant Broad Beans

  • Sow indoors from February in pots or trays with good compost.

  • Sow directly outside from March to May in mild conditions.

  • For hardy autumn types, sow outside in sheltered areas from October to November.

Indoor sowing gives seedlings a head start, especially in clay-heavy soils. Sow seeds 2 inches deep and keep moist in a bright, cool spot. Harden off before transplanting outside.

Soil & Location Tips
Choosing a sunny, well-drained site is the first step to learning how to grow broad beans. Add compost or well-rotted manure before sowing and fork over the soil to loosen it. For autumn or early spring planting, use cloches or fleece to warm the soil. Sow in rows 6–10 inches apart.

Watering & Maintenance
Once plants start flowering, water generously, then again about a week later. Keep the bed weed-free and well-soaked in hot weather. Use potash to help prevent chocolate spot (a common fungal disease), and space plants out to encourage airflow.

Growing broad beans of dwarf varieties can be done in containers. Use loam-based compost and fertiliser. Taller varieties may need support with strings and canes.

Top Tip: When the lowest flowers begin to form pods, pinch out the shoot tips. They’re edible and tasty, and this step helps deter blackflies and encourages more pods.

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Common Broad Beans Growing Problems

If you plan to grow broad beans, you must be aware of the common issues that affect this crop.

  • Blackfly: Prevent by pinching out tops early. Can be rinsed off if needed.

  • Chocolate Spot: A fungal disease that potash helps prevent. Allow space between plants.

  • Rust: Appears later in the season—linked to damp weather. May reduce yield.

  • Pea & Bean Weevil: Harmless to mature plants but damaging to seedlings.

  • Mice: Known to dig up and eat newly sown seeds—sow a few extras just in case.  

How to Harvest Broad Beans

Thinking when to pick broad beans? These legumes are ready to pick from late spring to midsummer, the timing depends on your sowing schedule and variety. Start harvesting when pods are around 3 inches long and beans inside feel plump.

Check plants regularly as the pods mature quickly, especially the lower ones. For the best flavour, pick younger beans while they’re still sweet and tender. Larger beans can become starchy or tough and are best blanched and peeled before freezing or eating.

Pro tip: Picking pods regularly encourages new growth and extends your harvest window.

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Growing Broad Beans in Summary

Sowing Broad Beans

  • Sow indoors in February

  • Direct sow outdoors March to mid-May

  • Sow winter varieties October–November

Growing Broad Beans

  • Use fleece or cloches in colder months

  • Water well, especially after flowering

  • Apply potash to prevent chocolate spot

  • Pinch out tips to reduce blackfly

  • Support tall plants if needed

Harvesting Broad Beans

  • Pick when pods are 3 inches or more

  • Check often and harvest regularly

  • Smaller beans = sweeter flavour

  • Large beans may need peeling

  • Harvest from June–October, depending on sowing
  • Freeze or dry after blanching

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