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Broad beans are easy to grow, but the variety you choose can make quite a difference. We’ve picked a few reliable choices for autumn and spring sowing, earlier crops, smaller spaces and, most importantly, plenty of tender beans.
Customer Choice Autumn Sowing
A hardy broad bean that's ideal for autumn sowing, overwinter in suitable conditions and getting away quickly in spring, giving an earlier crop of long, well-filled pods.
Best Traditional Choice
A traditional broad bean producing long, well-filled pods with plenty of green beans inside. Imperial Green Longpod is a good choice as a dependable main-season variety
Perfect for Small Spaces
A compact broad bean that's ideal when you don't have room for a tall row of plants. The Sutton is a short variety making it a useful choice for smaller gardens, raised beds and large containers.
Best for Something Different
A lovely broad bean grown as much for its unusual crimson flowers as its crop. It's a great choice for mixing into an ornamental border or simply adding some colour to the vegetable garden.
These are our recommended places to start, but you can still explore the complete Broad Bean Seed range.
Browse all Broad Bean SeedGROW WITH CONFIDENCE
Broad beans are straightforward to grow and cope with cooler weather better than many beans. Sow hardy varieties in autumn for an earlier crop, or sow from late winter into spring. Give taller plants some support and keep them watered as the pods begin to develop.
Sow beans about 5cm deep and 15–20cm apart. Hardy varieties can be sown in autumn, while most varieties can be sown from late winter into spring. If your ground is cold and wet, starting them in pots or modules can be more reliable.
Keep young plants weed-free and support taller varieties with stakes and string before they become top-heavy. Once the first pods begin forming, pinch out the soft growing tips to help discourage blackfly.
Water during dry weather, particularly when plants are flowering and developing pods. Start harvesting from the bottom of the plant once the pods are well filled, picking regularly while the beans are still young and tender.
Carefully selected for reliable results
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Practical Advice from Experienced Growers.
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