Description

Windsor Fava Bean is a traditional heirloom variety prized for its large, meaty beans, exceptional cool-season hardiness, and rich, earthy flavor. This time-honored fava bean produces sturdy plants loaded with thick pods filled with plump, pale green seeds that are highly valued in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. Its reliability and substantial harvests make it a staple for early spring and fall gardens.

Windsor offers a deep, savory flavor with a creamy, dense texture when cooked. The beans are especially well suited for soups, stews, purées, and sautéed dishes, and are often enjoyed fresh when young or fully matured for drying and long-term storage. Their satisfying texture and robust taste make them a versatile ingredient in hearty seasonal meals.

Vigorous upright plants thrive in cool weather and are among the most cold-tolerant of all fava bean types. They perform best when planted early in the season and can handle light frost, making them ideal for extending the gardening calendar. If you’re looking for a dependable, heavy-yielding fava bean with classic flavor and strong garden performance, Windsor is an excellent choice.

• Type: Open-pollinated annual (heirloom)
• Direct sow: Early spring or late fall in mild climates
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Spacing: 6–8 inches
• Height: 3–5 feet
• Days to harvest: 80–100 days

Fava beans thrive in cool weather and fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Sow seeds directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring or in fall where winters are mild. Plants prefer cooler temperatures and will slow growth in heat. Provide support in windy locations if needed. Harvest pods when they are well-filled but still green for the best flavor and texture, and pick regularly to encourage continued production.

Additional information