Fava Bean, Windsor, Raw Seed (lb)

Vicia faba ‘Windsor’ is a cool-season fava bean grown for large edible beans and as a robust legume cover crop. Upright plants develop substantial taproots and biomass, helping protect soil, compete with cool-season weeds, and contribute biologically fixed nitrogen when properly inoculated.

Plant in fall in mild-winter regions or in early spring in colder climates. Sow 1–2 inches deep and 6–8 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart when growing for pod harvest; denser field spacing may be used for green manure. Maintain even moisture through flowering and pod development. For cover cropping, terminate before mature seed develops and allow residue time to decompose before the following crop.

Harvest pods when full and green, usually about 80–100 days after planting depending on weather. Cook fava beans thoroughly and follow appropriate food-safety practices. Seed sold for planting is not packaged as ready-to-eat food. People with favism or dietary sensitivities to fava beans should follow medical guidance.

• Application rate: Use the rate shown for the intended garden or field planting method
• Inoculant: Strongly recommended. Use Pea, Vetch & Lentil Inoculant (treats 100 lb), Garden Combination Mix Inoculant (treats 8 lb), or Garden Combination Mix Inoculant (treats 50 lb).
• Uses: Green manure, nitrogen fixation, cool-season biomass, soil cover, and edible pod production

Read our guide to using fava beans as cover crops or explore more bean seeds.