Broad beans(Vicia faca) is a legume that is valued for its nutritional and healing properties. New, interestingvarieties of broad beansmake growing this vegetable in your own garden more and more interested. We explain whatbroad beans cultivation on the plot looks likeand what requirements must be met to obtain a large and he althy crop!
Broad beans - Vicia faca
Fig. pixabay.com
Broad beans are certainly one of the first human-grown vegetables. Archaeologists find broad bean seeds in the Mediterranean, but are not sure whether it came from other parts of the world.In Poland, we increasingly grow broad beans for direct consumption as well as for freezing and pickling.
Broad bean is an annual plantfrom the Fabaceae family. Strong, ribbed, hollow stem grows up to 100 cm in length. The leaves are complex, double pinnate. The flowers of the broad bean, gathered in clusters, are usually white with dark spots. The fleshy pods contain 3-4 large seeds that are the edible part of broad beans. Over time, the pods of broad beans turn brown and harden.
The root system of broad beans is strongly developed. 14 days after sowing, warts develop on the roots, in which Rhizobium leguminosarum viceae bacteria develop. They bind nitrogen from the environment. Like other legumes,broad beans leaves the soil well-structured and enriched with nitrogenTherefore, it is a good catch crop that can be sown after harvesting early spring vegetables.
Broad beans - nutritional and healing properties
The nutritional value of broad beansis higher than most popular vegetables.The seeds are very rich in protein (up to 35%) and carbohydrates (55%). The protein contained in broad bean seeds is very easily digestible. Unripe broad bean seeds also contain fat, starch, vitamins B1, B2, carotene, PP, C, minerals (potassium, phosphorus, etc.), enzymes and cellulose. They are low in calories, and when cooked, they contain only 85 kcal per 100 grams.
It is also worth appreciatinghealing properties of broad beansBroad bean is one of the best dietary foods for inflammation of the liver, intestines and kidneys . It contains essential amino acids that are not produced by the human body. Thanks to the high content of ubiquinone, called coenzyme Q 10,broad beans lowers blood pressure and prevents atherosclerosisNutritionists believe that 300 g of broad beans reduces cholesterol by 13-15% a week and stabilizes sugar levels in blood. People living in areas with polluted air can use broad beans as a means to cleanse the body of toxins.
In addition to their valuable nutritional and he alth properties, bean fruits and flowers have long been used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic, astringent and cosmetic agent. Broad bean flower decoction or infusionis recommended for the treatment of skin inflammation. This remedy soothes itching and irritation and helps heal ulcers and acne faster.
Broad beans - cultivation
The field of broad bean cultivation should be sunnyIn slightly shaded places this vegetable gives a lower yield. Broad beans prefers soils rich in humus, deeply cultivated, heavier, with high water capacity. Broad bean does not like acidic soils, it yields best in slightly acidic or neutral soils (pH 6.5-7.0).
Crop rotation is very important in the cultivation of broad beans on the plot . In the same place, broad beans should not be sown more than once in 4 years. It should not be grown after other legumes, due to the risk of transmitting diseases and pests characteristic for this group of vegetables. On lighter soils, it is good to grow broad beans in the second or third year after manure or compost, and on heavier soils - in the first year.
Broad beans grow well in the vicinity ofpotatoes and cucumbers. The smell of broad beans is believed to repel the Colorado potato beetle.
Broad beans - Vicia faca
Fig. pixabay.com
Broad beans - seeding into the ground
Growing broad beans in your own gardenis not difficult at all. We sow the seeds early, from late March to mid-April. They germinate at 3-4 ° C, and the seedlings tolerate frosts down to -4 ° C. The optimal growth temperature for broad beans is 18-22 ° C.
Broad bean seeds should be sown directly into the groundat intervals of 10-15 cm and in rows 40-60 cm apart. We can also use nesting by placing 3-4 seeds every 20-30 cm. Sowing depth is 4-8 cm.
Balcony owners, instead of sowing seeds into the ground, can put them in large pots filled with fertile soil.In the cultivation of broad beans on the balcony , good sunlight and regular watering of the plants are important.
Growing broad beans from seedlings
If we want to obtain a valuable crop as soon as possible, at the turn of February and March, we can sow beans (soaked in water for 6-12 hours) in pots with a diameter of 6-8 cm filled with peat substrate and put them in the sun, cool place.The production of broad bean seedlings takes 20-25 daysAfter hardening the plants, we plant them in the ground around April 10, and at the beginning of April under cover. We plant broad beans in an unheated tunnel around mid-March.
Growing broad beans for late harvest
If you want to enjoy the taste of broad beans in late autumn, it is worth taking an interest ingrowing broad beans for late harvestIt gives a lower yield, but the harvest can last even until October. We sow the seeds from early May to mid-July directly into the ground or on a seedbed. In late-harvest cultivation, it is very important to provide the plants with the right amount of water, especially during dry and hot summers.
Broad bean - care
Bean care is easy- removing weeds, loosening the soil and watering is essential. Watering plants, especially during the flowering phase, is essential to get the maximum yield. After rain or watering, we should loosen and weed the soil.
It is recommendedfertilization of broad beansbecause it has a high demand for phosphorus and potassium. It is best to use organic fertilization. Broad bean reacts negatively to chlorides, but it can be enhanced with fertilizers containing sulfur and magnesium.
An important treatment in broad bean cultivation is topping , shortening the top of the plant by about 2-4 cm. Topping the broad beans is done when the plant has 4-6 pods but is still flowering. This treatment is primarily aimed at accelerating the setting of seeds. In addition, the plant, devoid of delicate young shoots, is no longer attractive to aphids, which are common pests of broad beans.
Broad beans - harvesting and storage
The field of broad bean harvesting is from June to July and depends on the sowing date and the variety's earliness. On averagethe period from sowing broad bean seeds to harvesting is 80-120 daysPlants should be harvested in the milky phase, when the pods are still green.
Broad beans should not be for long-term vegetablesAfter harvesting, it can be stored in a cold store at around 0 ° C for 2-3 weeks. In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for much less, only for 2-3 days. Young seeds can be thrown into boiling water for 2-3 minutes and freeze after cooling and drying. Prepared in this way, they retain their taste and he alth values for up to 12 months.
Broad bean
The varieties of broad beans differin height, length of the pods and the size of the seeds. For amateur cultivation in gardens and allotments, direct consumption varieties with very large or very small seeds and green, ideal for salads are preferred.
Broad bean Karmazyn- this is a medium-early variety with rather large, pink seeds, good for amateur cultivation. The period from sowing to the first harvest is 80 - 90 days. It is a very fertile variety.
Broad bean Bizon- this is a very fertile variety with a height of 70-90 cm. Intended for direct consumption and for freezing. We sow the seeds from the end of March to the end of April.
Broad bean Figaro- is a very early variety (85-90 days) for spring cultivation under covers and in open ground. The seeds are excellent for immediate consumption and have good shelf life after harvest. They are also suitable for freezing and preserving.
Broad beans Bachus- this is an early variety, very fertile, useful for canning and direct consumption. Suitable for accelerated cultivation.
Piccola beans- with small, green beans. Plants grow to a height of 100 cm. Early variety, recommended for direct consumption and freezing. After cooking, the broad bean retains its intense green color and is very delicate.
Bean Samson- late variety, recommended for sowing straight into the ground. It is characterized by a small height - 60-80 cm. It produces numerous pods with small, light green seeds.
Bób Lider- late variety, characterized by small, light green seeds. We harvest in October.
People looking for high-qualitybroad bean seeds to grow in a garden or on a plot , we recommend the store of our guide. We sell varieties of broad beans that yield very well and are resistant to diseases and unfavorable growing conditions. By sowing these seeds you will see how easy it can be to grow broad beans in your garden. To see the seeds offer, click on the image below.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
