Broad Bean Seed De Monica

This broad bean produces large creamy-white beans inside long green pods usually around 6" (15 cm) long, is high yielding and quick maturing.

Great for early, mid or late sowing, including over-Wintering. Performs well in low light conditions and is hardy - this broad bean is great!

Monica is also good for growing as a green manure as it fixes nitrogen in the soil.

Recognised to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

• Reaches approximately 3 - 5 feet (100 - 150 cm) tall.
• Hardy.
• Early / mid / late sowing.

For Early Cropping

• Sow under protection in trays or modules February to March.
• Set out when large enough to handle 9" (23 cm) apart in interspaced double rows 12" (30 cm) apart.
• Can also be direct sown as per 'main cropping' under cloches February to March.

For Main Cropping

• Sow March to May 9" (23 cm) apart in rows 12" (30 cm) apart.
• Sow in 2" (5 cm) deep drills.

For Over-Wintering

• Sow October to November 8" (20 cm) apart in rows 10" (25 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 1" 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.