Home › Fava Beans › Grow in Massachusetts

Can You Grow Fava Beans in Massachusetts?

US · USDA Zone 6a · zones 5b, 6a, 6b

Grows well here

Fava beans are ideal for your cool climate — sow early and harvest before summer heat sets in.

Plant zones

3a–8b

Massachusetts last frost

early April

Massachusetts first frost

late October

Days to harvest

80–100 days

When to plant Fava Beanses in Massachusetts

Direct sow

Apr 1

Harvest

Jun 20 – Jul 10

Dates are approximate, based on Massachusetts'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 Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a humid continental climate. Boston and coastal areas are Zone 6a-6b; inland areas are colder at Zone 5b-6a. Four seasons with a 5-6 month growing window.