Sowing and Planting Broad Bean Seeds

Broad beans are one of the easiest crops to grow in the UK, and knowing the right way to sow and plant them makes all the difference to your harvest. Whether you’re growing in pots, directly outdoors, or trying an autumn sowing, getting the timing, depth, and orientation correct helps ensure strong germination and healthy plants.

When to Sow Broad Bean Seeds

Spring Sowing

• Main sowing season: February to April.
• In southern UK, sow outdoors from February; in colder northern areas, wait until March.
• Spring sowings give harvests from June through to August, depending on the variety.

Autumn Sowing

• Best for overwintering varieties like Aquadulce Claudia.
• Sow in October or November for an early summer harvest.
• Helps avoid blackfly by cropping earlier than spring-sown beans.

Indoors Sowing

• Sow indoors in pots or root trainers from January onwards if the soil outside is too cold or wet.
• Transplant once seedlings are 5–8cm tall and hardened off.
• Useful if mice or pigeons are a problem in your area.

When to Plant Broad Bean Seeds Outside

• Plant outdoors as soon as soil is workable and not waterlogged.
• Broad beans tolerate cold but dislike sitting in wet, heavy soil.
• Early spring sowings benefit from cloches or fleece to protect seedlings.
• For autumn sowings, choose a sunny, well-drained bed and mulch lightly over winter.

How to Plant Broad Bean Seeds

Planting Depth

• Sow seeds 5–7cm deep in most soils.
• In very light sandy soils, sow 7–8cm deep to anchor roots.
• In heavy clay, stick to 5cm to avoid rotting.

Spacing

• Space seeds 20–25cm apart in rows.
• Leave 45–60cm between rows.
• For dwarf types like Robin Hood or The Sutton Dwarf, rows can be closer together.

Which Way Up to Plant Broad Bean Seeds

A broad bean seed has a black scar (hilum) along one edge. Ideally, place the seed on its edge, scar facing downwards. If you can’t tell, don’t worry — broad beans are forgiving and will push shoots up regardless of orientation. Planting the scar downward just speeds things up.

Planting Broad Beans in Pots or Containers

• Use deep pots, modules, or root trainers to give roots room to grow.
• Sow one seed per pot at the same 5–7cm depth.
• Keep in a cool but frost-free place until seedlings emerge.
• Transplant outside once plants are 10–15cm tall and hardened off.
• Compact varieties like Robin Hood are ideal for container growing.

Step-by-Step: Planting Broad Bean Seeds Outdoors

• Prepare the soil by removing weeds and raking to a fine tilth.
• Mark rows 45–60cm apart.
• Sow seeds 5–7cm deep, spacing 20–25cm apart.
• Cover with soil and firm gently with the back of a rake.
• Water lightly if the soil is dry.
• Protect with fleece or mesh if pests (mice, pigeons) are common.

Broad Bean Sowing & Planting Guide

Broad beans are one of the most forgiving crops — whether you plant them scar side down, start them in pots, or direct sow outdoors, they’ll reward you with strong growth and generous harvests. By getting the timing, spacing, and depth right, you can enjoy fresh beans from late spring into summer.