PatternBaseFava Bean
Vicia faba, Fabaceae
Zones
2a–10b
Layer
Herbaceous
Lifespan
Annual
Growth
Moderate
Guild Roles
ProducerNitrogen Fixer
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (optimal)
Water
Moderate
Soil pH
6 – 7
Tolerances
Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.
Companion Plants
AsparagusAsparagus officinalis
Nitrogen Fixation
Culinary LavenderLavandula angustifolia culinaryPest DeterrentBeneficial Insect Habitat
Sea BuckthornHippophae rhamnoidesNitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat
Sweet MarjoramOriganum majoranaPest DeterrentBeneficial Insect Habitat
Bristly LocustRobinia hispidaNitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat
CherimoyaAnnona cherimolaNitrogen Fixation
Willow-leaved Sea BuckthornHippophae salicifoliaNitrogen FixationWind Protection
FeverfewTanacetum partheniumPest Deterrent
Elberta PeachPrunus persica ElbertaNitrogen FixationTrap Crop
NectarinePrunus persica var. nucipersicaNitrogen FixationTrap Crop
BorageBorago officinalisPollinator SharingPest Deterrent
Antagonistic Plants
Moso BambooPhyllostachys edulis
Moso bamboo creates dense shade and root competition that inhibits fava bean growth
PeanutArachis hypogaeaPeanuts and fava beans compete for similar soil nutrients and root space, with different nitrogen fixation patterns
Lima BeanPhaseolus lunatusFava beans and lima beans have different nitrogen fixation requirements and can interfere with each other's bacterial associations
Uses
Functions
Food
Edible Parts
Seeds
Common Questions
What zones does Fava Bean grow in?
Fava Bean grows in USDA hardiness zones 2a through 10b.
Is Fava Bean a nitrogen fixer?
Yes, Fava Bean is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.
What are good companion plants for Fava Bean?
Good companions for Fava Bean include Asparagus, Culinary Lavender, Sea Buckthorn, Sweet Marjoram, Bristly Locust.
Design guilds with Fava Bean and see companion relationships visually.
Try PatternBase free