Direct sow broad bean seed under cloches in February, or without protection from March to April. For particularly early crops some varieties of broad beans may also be sown outdoors under cloches from early autumn to late winter.

Grow beans in full sun on rich fertile, well manured soil with protection from strong winds. Plant broad beans in double rows set 23cm (9") apart and allowing at least 60cm (24") between each double row. Sow broad beans at a depth of 5cm (2") deep and a distance of 23cm (9") apart within each row and water well. Germination usually takes around 10 days. Grow also in containers.