Bell Bean Seeds

Bell Bean

Vicia Faba

Package contains 1 oz., approximately 80 seeds. ~1280 seeds per pound.

Sow at a rate of 80-125 pounds per acre

Peak bloom 42-63 days after sowing, matures in 90-220 days

Bell bean is the same species fava bean, but it is a colder tolerant and produces more biomass and smaller seeds. Typically planted as a cover crop or forage, bell beans are good for improving heavy soils, especially if inoculated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Type Q inoculant). The flowers and nectaries are attractive to many beneficial insects.

This cool season annual is typically planted in October (northern US states) up to mid November in California and incorporated into the soil in spring when 10% of the blooms are open. Bell beans can overwinter in zones 8 and warmer. May also be sown in early spring.

Sow at a depth of 3" or broadcast and rake in. Germinates in 5-10 days. Frequently sown with vetch and other cover crops, which can use bell bean as a scaffold, or with grasses and other legumes for forage.