Broad Beans for Autumn Planting

p>Autumn is the perfect time to get a head start on broad beans. By sowing in October or November, you can enjoy one of the earliest harvests of the year, often weeks ahead of spring-sown crops. Autumn sowing also helps you avoid the worst of blackfly infestations, a common issue in late spring and summer.

The key to success lies in choosing the right broad bean seeds for autumn planting — hardy varieties bred to withstand frost and damp winter conditions.

Why Plant Broad Beans in Autumn?

• Earlier harvests – picking beans as early as late May or June.
• Fewer pests – blackfly numbers are lower in early spring.
• Soil improvement – broad beans fix nitrogen, leaving the soil richer for following crops.
• Better use of space – by the time summer crops need planting, your broad beans are harvested and gone.

Best Broad Bean Seeds for Autumn Planting

Aquadulce Claudia

• The most popular and reliable autumn-sown broad bean.
• Extremely hardy, capable of withstanding harsh winters.
• Produces long pods with up to 9 beans each.
• Harvests arrive up to 3–4 weeks earlier than spring sowings.

The Sutton Dwarf

• Though typically spring-sown, this compact variety can also be sown in late autumn in milder areas.
• Grows to only 30–45cm tall, ideal for exposed gardens where taller plants might suffer wind damage.
• Best covered with fleece or cloches in colder regions.

How to Sow Broad Beans in Autumn

• When to sow: October–November is ideal. In very mild parts of the UK, sowing can extend into early December.
• Where to sow: Choose a well-drained bed with good sun exposure. Waterlogging is a bigger threat than cold.
• How to sow:
  • Plant seeds 5–7cm deep and 20–25cm apart.
  • Allow 45–60cm between rows.
  • For dwarf types, rows can be spaced slightly closer.
• Protection: In very cold or exposed areas, cover with fleece, cloches, or grow in a cold frame.

Autumn Planting Broad Bean Varieties

Tips for Success with Autumn Broad Beans

• Avoid heavy, wet soil – broad beans dislike sitting in waterlogged ground. Raised beds are ideal.
• Double rows work best – plant in paired lines 20–25cm apart with a 45cm gap before the next set. This helps plants support each other.
• Pinch out tips – once pods have set, pinch off the top shoots to reduce blackfly and encourage pod fill.
• Mulch in winter – a light mulch of compost or straw helps protect roots and keep weeds down.
• Use cloches in severe weather – especially useful for young seedlings during prolonged frosts.

Planting broad beans in autumn is the smartest way to get ahead in the veg garden. With hardy choices like Aquadulce Claudia, you’ll enjoy early summer pods, strong plants, and fewer pest problems. For smaller or windier sites, The Sutton Dwarf makes a compact but reliable alternative.