Broad Beans Autumn Sowing

[Etch]

I've only ever sown broad beans in spring before but, having noticed varieties that can be sown in Oct/Nov/Dec, I thought I'd give them a go. Question is - will the plants appear before winter sets in, or should the seeds lie dormant until spring and then start growing at the earliest opportunity?

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"Broad beans are normally sown in the spring, from February to April. However some varieties are particularly hardy and can be sown in autumn from October to November (provided that the soil is still reasonably warm). November sowings usually germinate within 2-3 weeks. They overwinter during the coldest months but start growing quickly again in spring, giving you a head start and an early harvest. In severe winters you may need to use fleece or a cloche to protect your crop".

Source:
https://www.thompson-morgan.com/how-to-grow-broad-beans

[barry1010]

Broad beans are one of my favourite veg and I’ve grown them for years. I have tried growing the autumn sown variety in the past and have found no real advantage. One winter they failed totally and another year they were ready no earlier than the beans I sowed in the spring

[Etch]

Thanks Buenchico, I could have searched for myself but thought I'd see if there was any AB "personal experience". My beans had already germinated when I planted them, after soaking them overnight and then leaving them for a day or so until shoots were showing. The weather was still relatively warm (for November) at the time and I was hopeful that growth would appear above ground after a week or so - its now been a couple of weeks but they've still got time I suppose.
Interesting to have your input barry1010, OH and I both like them: I grew a small crop this year from some 'out of date' beans but only got a couple of portions worth, so was hoping for better things next year. Yes, the packet suggests that the 'picking time' isn't much earlier than spring sowings, but we shall see (I hope!).

[puzzled54]

I always sow in autumn and they are ready earlier than spring sown, and also don’t get attacked by pests. But maybe it depends how far south you are as to whether they are successful.

[barry1010]

Etch, you may be interested in my method for freezing the glut. I simply pod them, put the beans in a suitable plastic tub and put them in the freezer. No blanching, no faffing - and they cook beautifully.

[rowanwitch]

I used to cloche mine always planted them as the first leeks were harvested any hardy variety will do.

[Etch]

Thanks barry, I'm pretty sure that's all that was done last time I managed to produce a plentiful crop (many years ago now) and what we did with a small (portion-sized) temporary excess this year.

[Etch]

Hurrah! Four weeks after sowing, and shoots are beginning to show above ground - weather still relatively warm so I'll be interested to see how the plants develop from now on.

[rowanwitch]

Give them a bit of protection, you will get a crop about two weeks earlier