floral- Interesting info. Always enjoy learning something new from across the pond. 'Broad Windsor' appears be a particular variety that's sold over here in the U.S. since lots of reputable places sell it.

redsun- I haven't grown it or any other fava beans so can't comment on that.

Rodney

Yes, I saw that Broad Windsor is offered by several US companies. I'm wondering if it is a bit on the lines of 'Scarlet Runner' i.e. a generic sort of seed because runner beans don't do brilliantly in most US climates so the wide range of cultivars isn't offered. As I understand it favas aren't widely grown/eaten either so maybe there's no demand for improved cultivars. We have the opposite situation with things like winter squash where you have stacks of cultivars but we are only just beginning to grow them widely so the range is more limited.

Here are the Broad Windsor.

Good size and coated with inoculant. Just planted some today.

"Good size and coated with inoculant." (emphasis mine)

Those seeds appear to be treated with poison, perhaps a fungicide. If the seeds were received that way, it might be best to read the package closely - or even contact the company - so you know what you are dealing with.

Fava trials in Osborne;

"Broad Windsor"

I believe the inoculant is a bacteria that benefits beans growing where there there is none of the helpful bacteria in the soil. The bacteria encourages nitrogen fixation.

Inoculants at grow organic

I think I've read the small seeded favas are better for cover crops, and the larger ones for eating. I usually grow aquadulce, or super aquadulce, but have also grown sweet Lorane.

Here is an article. Fava bean varieties

And a picture of my fava flowers taken yesterday. I don't remember the variety, I think Vroma. It's supposed to be more heat tolerant than Windsor, and grow more upright, and I'd hoped not requiring any staking.

Fava seeds at johhny seeds.

I'm not so sure. I didn't have a plan this year, and they are flopping, especially after rain.

Most broad beans other than dwarf varieties need some support. The easiest way is to put two sticks in at each end of the row and then run a string up one side and down the other. In a long row you'll need sticks part way along too.

Have you noticed what a wonderful scent the flowers have? And how cool are black and white blooms?

The string technique (not my photo)

Thank you!

I have not noticed the scent, but will check it out.

Do you know when in the season or planting the strings were put out in that picture? My beds are 4'x8'. Not sure if that's long. I usually do a combination of strings and old "tomato supports" every four feet, during what they call "winter" here. I'm going to see if it's too late to add some support.

I don't know about that picture because it isn't mine but I put the strings on the rows as the plants grow. So they never get a chance to flop. It's not a big deal. Takes a couple of minutes. There's no reason it should be too late to support them. They'll only get heaver as the beans develop. The sticks go in when I sow the seed and double as row markers. Growing in a 4 x 8 bed would mean either putting the string all around the outside or running it and down through the block. It must be harder to harvest a 4 x 8 bed than a row as you can't get into the centre of the patch very easily.

Thanks! I was thinking about the added weight of the beans. And you are right about me getting to the center of the patch, but I can approach from either side, so it works out. I'm going to see what I can do.