How to Grow Broad Beans in Australia
A cool-season fruiting crop for the home garden
Growing Broad Beans at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. They are rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$4-6/week in season. Nitrogen fixers that improve soil for the next crop.
This guide covers when to plant Broad Beans in your region, the position and soil they like, how to sow and space them, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Broad Beans are a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland they are sown in March, April, May, June and July. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Aquadulce Claudia
The classic Australian broad bean. Long pods, reliable, extremely cold-hardy. The standard for southern gardens.
Try: Eden Seeds, Mr Fothergill's, Diggers
Coles Dwarf
Compact at 60cm. Perfect for containers and small beds. Still heavy cropping.
Try: Eden Seeds, Green Harvest
Crimson Flowered
Heritage variety with striking red flowers. Smaller beans but ornamental and edible. Bees love them.
Try: Diggers, Eden Seeds
Position and Soil
Give Broad Beans full sun (at least 6 hours a day). They do best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. They grow happily in a pot of 30cm+, which makes them a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 5 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 20 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 10 days, fastest when the soil is between 8 and 18 degrees.
The king of southern winter gardens. Direct sow in autumn and let them stand through frosts. Pinch growing tips once pods form to discourage aphids and redirect energy into beans. Fix nitrogen in the soil. In SEQ, sow early autumn for a cool-season crop.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Black bean aphid and Chocolate spot. The main diseases to watch are Rust and Chocolate spot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Broad Beans are typically ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months). Fridge in pods for 3-4 days. Shell and freeze for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, broad beans are good double-peeled and tossed with pasta and pecorino, mashed into a dip with lemon and garlic, added whole to risotto and stews and blanched and frozen for year-round use. Nutritionally: high in plant protein and fibre and excellent source of folate.
Companion Planting
Broad Beans grow well alongside Potato, Corn, Lettuce and Celery. Keep them away from Onion, Garlic and Fennel. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Broad Beans Growing
Add broad beans to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broad Beans in Australia?
Broad Beans are a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland they are sown in March, April, May, June and July. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Broad Beans take to grow?
Broad Beans are generally ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months).
Can I grow Broad Beans in a pot?
Yes. Broad Beans grow well in a container of 30cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Broad Beans need?
Give they full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Broad Beans in the Plant Library
