Broad Bean Bunyards Exhibition Vegetable Seeds

Broad Bean, Bunyards Exhibition (Vicia faba)

An excellent summer broad bean with very heavy yields of long, well-filled pods with a good 8-9 tender white beans in each one. This Victorian variety has stayed a firm favourite with Veg growers for its reliability and good performance, and is renowned for its excellent flavour: pick the beans young to get them at their best. Surplus broad beans freeze beautifully; blanch in boiling water for a minute or two and pack into bags or trays in the freezer.

• Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

Growing Instructions: 

For Early Cropping

Sow under protection in trays or modules February to March.
Set out when large enough to handle 10" (25 cm) apart in interspaced double rows 24" (60 cm) apart.
(can also be direct sown as per 'main cropping' under cloches February to March.
 

For Main Cropping
Sow March to May 10" (25 cm) apart in rows 24" (60 cm) apart.
Sow in 2" (5 cm) deep drills.
 

For Over-Wintering
Sow October to November 10" (25 cm) apart in rows 18" (45 cm) apart.
Sow in 2" (5 cm) deep drills.

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and sow seeds individually in early spring direct where they are to grow, 5cm deep and 10cm apart. Protect from mice and slugs. Support loosely with canes and string once they reach 15cm tall and pinch out the tops once pods have set to prevent blackfly.

Harvest: June-July
 

• Pick beans regularly to encourage further cropping.
• Requires support. Provide poles or netting for plants to climb.

Suitable for the vegetable garden, allotments and containers. Be prepared to water well and supplement feed with high-potash feed during season. Regular feeding is recommended.