Over here, Coles Early Dwarf is popular: doesn't get too gigantic. No matter what the packet says, they'll need support. Old pantyhose are excellent, their width and flexibility prevent the soft stems getting damaged.

Supersimonia (from growitalian) and a Spanish one I picked up in Catalonia are my new ones. Broad Windsor is the only one I have grown two years in a row (also near Los Angeles). This coming September, I am planting all 3 varieties. I have been loving favas and I am trying to adjust the optimal planting time. I should be harvesting them by april, or green stink bugs get them. I planted in October last year, so I plan to sow a little earlier. I am also hoping that the Italian and Spanish favas have a shorter DTM and are better adapted to our Mediterranean climate.

Pippimac and Cabrita,
Thank you for your information. I think I'll try Statissa because it's easier to find. I think I'll sneak them under my now very tall tomato plants in early September. My thought is that the tomato foliage may provide some shade when it's still hot.