Home › Fava Beans › Grow in California

Can You Grow Fava Beans in California?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Won't grow here

Fava beans cannot handle the heat in your zone — they set pods only in cool weather.

Plant zones

3a–8b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

80–100 days

When to plant Fava Beanses in California

Direct sow

Jan 10

Harvest

Mar 31 – Apr 20

Dates are approximate, based on California's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Fava Beans

Fava beans (broad beans) are a cool-season legume prized in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines. They are one of the earliest spring crops — planted before last frost while soil is still cold.

Direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost — favas need cool conditions to set pods and fail in summer heat. Support with stakes as plants grow to 4-5 feet. Pinch out growing tips when in flower to reduce aphid problems and improve pod set. Harvest pods when beans are just visible through the pod.

Full fava beans growing guide →

Gardening in California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.