Solberga Broad Bean

Solberga Broad Bean is quite low growing, about 100-120cm in height. Produces a sturdy, bushy plant. Quite late, but heavy yielder of short and chubby pods with 4-5 oval beans with white-green peal. Light brown beans as fully ripe. Flowers with white-black flowers. A bit smaller beans than modern varieties, but with excellent flavor. Can be eaten fresh and cooked, or stored as dry beans for later use. Was traditionally dried, and later boiled with salted pork. Has been grown at the same farm since 1600. Was traditionally grown together with the grey pea 'Solberga', which was climbing on the broad bean plants. From Solberga, Bohuslän, Sweden. Nordic Genebank number: NGB 13473. Vicia faba. 7seeds/pack

Read more about Solberga Broad Bean.

Normally broad beans grow to about 100cm in height, but both higher and lower varieties exist. Most varieties flower with white-black flowers, but some with red flowers. Probably originated in the Middle East, where it was farmed during the Stone Age. Broad beans have been found both in Egyptian tombs and in the ruins of Troj.  

How to Grow

Broad beans tolerate lower temperatures than many other legumes. Can be sown when the temperature of the soli is about 4-5 °C. Sow about 5cm deep. Can also be pre-cultivated in pots, for later planting in the garden. Place the plants with about 20cm spacing, and about 50cm between the rows of plants.