Broad beans are a member of the pea family, and are one of the oldest known cultivated plants. Broad beans are also known many other names: fava beans, Windsor beans, faba bean, and horse beans. We have tried to grow these in central Florida several times, starting the seeds at differing times from fall to spring with little to no success. They do not like excessive humidity or heat. Latin Vicia faba Family: Fabaceae Difficulty Easy Season Zone Season: Cool season Exposure: Full sun Zone: Hardy from Zone 3 to 11 Timing Direct sow October/November in mild winter areas. Direct sow February to May in other areas. Tall, soft plants won't withstand winter well. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-21C (50-70F). Starting Sow seed 5cm (1-2") deep, 15cm (6") apart in double rows 23cm (9") apart. Germination takes 10-14 days, depending on conditions. Growing Ideal pH: 6.0-6.5. Enrich the soil with compost prior to planting. Keep overwintered plants weeded. Provide stakes or strings between rows to stop plants from falling over. Harvest Pick when the pods appear plump and begin to droop from the weight of the seeds. Shell (like peas) and cook or use in soup. For dried beans, wait until the pods start to shrivel. Caution: some people are highly allergic to broad beans. Seed Info Usual seed life: 2-3 years. Per 100' row: 450 seeds. Companion Planting Excellent for fixing nitrogen in the soil. Avoid planting broad beans near onions.