I grow these very year, several varieties.We called them broad beans in the UK so if looking for varieties look under this name too.
Some are sown in the fall ,Aquadulce is perhaps the best one for that, but many are better sown in the start of the year..right now is the best time for my area. You can direct sow but I prefer to start them in small pots and put them out as plants.They are very hardy and can take a frost.
They come dwarf and taller growing ones but none are as tallas pole beans.
Longpods types uaually have 8 seeds, Windsor types have only 4 and are shorter.
They don't climb but can get to 4 feet and need support as they can fall over.
They are not fussy about soil except they don't like it waterlogged or very acid.
I plant mine in double rows 9 inches apart 2 inches deep, seeds 6 inches apart and 30 iches between the double rows. Each double row then get a pole at each corner with string wrapped all the way at two or three heights round rather like a narrow boxing ring, this prevents them falling over, which they will do if not supported.
They can be eaten whole in the pods when very young or shelled when large enough, don't leave them to grow huge as they tend to get tough.
This year I am growing the following
Grano Violetto a lovely heritage variety
Aquadulce my old friend..
Crimson Flowered, (most have white flowers0
I have just a few seeds of a couple of heirlooms which I may isolate and keep for the seeds this year too.
They do attract black aphids so pinch out the growing tops when this starts, and by the way you can eat the well washed tips so don't waste them.
Very popular in the UK, broadies are one of the first veggies to stsart so makes me feel the year has begun.
Good Luck
XX Jeannine
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