Fava Bean Planting Time by Region

Fava beans (also called broad beans) thrive in cool weather and are one of the earliest crops you can plant in spring or the latest in fall for a winter crop. Knowing the right planting time for your region ensures strong growth and a rewarding harvest.

I’ve been growing fava beans for decades in Sonoma Valley, where our mild winters allow me to plant them in late fall for a spring harvest. In colder regions, they’re best planted as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. Below, I’ll share how to time your fava bean planting by region.

Table of Contents

Pacific Coast and Coastal South (Zones 8–10)

Fava beans love cool weather and will overwinter in mild coastal climates. Sow seeds in late fall to early winter (October to December). Plants will grow slowly through winter and burst into bloom in early spring. In my Zone 9B garden, fall-sown favas produce heavy spring harvests with minimal pest pressure.

Mountain West and Northern Plains (Zones 4–6)

Here, fava beans can’t handle deep freezes, so plant in early spring (March to May) as soon as the soil can be worked and before summer heat arrives. Favas tolerate light frost and prefer soil temperatures around 45–65°F. For a fall crop, sow 10 to 12 weeks before your first expected frost.

Mid-Atlantic and Northeast (Zones 5–7)

Plant fava beans in early to mid-spring (April to May), when soil temperatures rise above 40°F. Favas germinate best in cool, moist soil, so don’t wait until it’s warm. A fall crop is possible if planted in late summer (August) for harvest before frost.

Midwest (Zones 4–7)

Sow fava beans in early spring, 2–3 weeks before your last frost date. Fava beans don’t like summer heat, so early planting ensures a full crop before temperatures exceed 75°F. If summers are mild, try a late-summer sowing for fall harvest.

Southeast and Gulf Coast (Zones 8–9)

In hot, humid regions, fava beans grow best as a cool-season crop. Sow in late fall (November–December) for winter growth and spring harvest. Avoid spring planting—warm nights above 70°F can stop flowering and pod formation.

Desert Southwest (Zones 9–10)

Plant fava beans in late fall to early winter (October to December), when days are mild and nights are cool. Avoid summer planting; heat will quickly stunt plants. Water consistently and mulch to retain soil moisture.

My Experience

In my Northern California garden, fava beans are part of my fall planting plan every year. I sow them in November after summer crops come out. They grow steadily through winter rains, and by early April, tall green plants are covered with fragrant white-and-black blossoms. By late spring, I’m harvesting plump pods full of buttery beans—and my soil is enriched with nitrogen for the next crop.

Key Takeaway:
Fava beans prefer cool weather. Plant them in fall in mild-winter regions and in early spring in cold-winter regions. Proper timing gives you healthy plants, full pods, and a garden enriched by nitrogen-fixing roots.

Fava Bean Planting Time by Region and USDA Zone

Region	USDA Zones	Best Planting Time	Expected Harvest	Notes
Pacific Coast (Northern California, Oregon, Washington)	8–10	October–December	April–June	Ideal for overwintering; plant in fall for spring harvest.
Coastal South (Southern California, Gulf Coast)	8–10	November–January	March–May	Plant in cool weather; avoid high spring heat.
Mountain West (Colorado, Utah, Montana)	4–6	March–May	June–July	Plant as soon as soil can be worked; tolerates light frost.
Northern Plains (Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota)	4–6	April–May	July–August	Early planting helps beat summer heat.
Mid-Atlantic (Virginia, Maryland, Delaware)	6–7	March–April	June–July	Early spring sowing ensures cool growing conditions.
Northeast (New York, New England)	5–6	April–May	July–August	Sow when soil reaches 40–45°F; protect from late frosts if needed.
Midwest (Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Missouri)	4–7	March–April	June–July	Plant 2–3 weeks before last frost; may not thrive in hot summers.
Southeast (Carolinas, Georgia, Florida Panhandle)	8–9	November–December	March–April	Best grown as a winter crop; avoid planting after January.
Desert Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Southern Nevada)	9–10	October–December	March–May	Cool winter months ideal; protect from dry winds and frost.
Pacific Northwest (Western Oregon, Washington Coast)	7–9	October–February	May–June	Excellent overwinter crop; mulch for winter protection.