Broad Bean Bunyards Exhibition

Well suited to both spring or autumn sowings, Bunyards takes some beating for all round performance. Expect heavy crops of well filled pods and beans of delicious flavour and texture. Excellent fresh or frozen.

Sow: February to May / October to November
Harvest: May to July

Sow Outdoors
Sow individual seeds 5 cm deep and 15 cm apart in well-drained soil. Protect with cloches or fleece in cold weather. Broad beans are often sown in double rows about 25 cm apart, with 45 cm between each set of double rows. In raised beds, sow single rows 25 cm apart.

Aftercare
Pinch out growing tips when plants are in full flower to deter blackfly. Provide support and keep well-watered, especially during dry spells and at flowering.

Advice
In cold areas, poorly drained soils, or where mice are a problem, sow seeds 5 cm deep in compost, in pots or module trays. Keep watered in a light position, and plant out from March after acclimatising to outdoor conditions.

Harvest
Pick beans as young as possible for the best flavour. Very young beans can be cooked and eaten in their pods. Broad beans are also delicious cooked, cooled, and used in salads.