Broad Bean Seed Bunyards Exhibition

First introduced in 1884 this variety has been delighting gardeners ever since.

This is probably one of the most reliable varieties there is, producing heavy crops of 7" - 8" (17 - 20 cm) long pods that usually contain 8 or 9 white beans. The beans have a lovely sweet flavour which is maintained even if frozen.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

For Early Cropping

• Sow under protection in trays or modules February to March.
• Set out when large enough to handle 10" (25 cm) apart in interspaced double rows 24" (60 cm) apart.
• Can also be direct sown as per 'main cropping' under cloches February to March.

For Main Cropping

• Sow March to May 10" (25 cm) apart in rows 24" (60 cm) apart.
• Sow in 2" (5 cm) deep drills.

For Over-Wintering

• Sow October to November 10" (25 cm) apart in rows 18" (45 cm) apart.
• Sow in 2" (5 cm) deep drills.

Top Tips

• Pheasants love young broad bean plants and will dig up the plants to eat the sprouted seed so take precautions (especially with autumn sowings) if you have pheasants in your area.
• Young broad bean tops make an excellent spinach substitute.
• Support the plants with string lines as the plants grow taller.
• Water well if the weather is dry when the pods are swelling.
• As soon as the first beans appear pinch off the top 3" of the stems to encourage pod development and to help reduce blackfly.
• Pick the beans when they are young and tender - broad beans freeze well so better to freeze any excess rather than try and extend the season and end up eating tough beans.
• After harvesting dig the plants into the ground to provide green manure and valuable nitrogen to the soil.