Broad Bean Seeds - Karmazyn

40 Seeds.

Other Names - Broad Beans, Fava Beans, Field Beans…

Karmazyn is an unusual heritage variety which produces pink coloured beans. The plants are compact which makes this variety suitable for exposed areas. The beans are flavoursome and the unusual colour adds interest to the plate. A very prolific variety.

• An unusual variety with pink coloured beans.
• Outstanding flavour and high yields.
• A compact growing broad bean making it ideal for exposed locations.

Suitable For - Vegetable plot, raised beds

Sowing Months - February - April

Harvest - July - late August

Gardening is about finding the right balance! Try growing Companion Plants close by to help deter pests.

• Try growing nasturtiums close by as a sacrificial plant. If there are blackfly (black aphids) in the area the nasturtiums will help to draw the aphids away from the crop.
• The herb summer savory grown close to the beans, is reputed to repel black aphids.
• Low growing Limnanthes helps to keep the surrounding soil moist, supresses weed growth, attracts bees, hoverflies who's larvae feed on aphids and can be dug in as green manure at the end of the season.
• Calendula (Pot marigold) attracts predator insects such as lacewings, ladybirds and hoverflies who love to feast on aphids.
• Borage is an easy to grow cucumber tasting herb. The pretty blue flowers attract bees and pollinating insects into the garden and is often used by bee keepers.

Soil Preperation

A rich, moisture retentive free draining soil is preferred. Add good quality weed free compost or well rotted manure a few weeks before sowing. Or apply a general purpose organic fertilizer a week before sowing or planting.

Sowing Guide

Early Sowing/Module Sowing

Sow 1 broad bean seed 2cm deep in a small 7 - 10 cm pot. If heat is used to promote faster germination it is important to reduce the heat as soon as germination has started. This will produce a strong, stocky plant rather than a leggy weak plant that is likely to be killed by severe frosts. After 3 - 5 weeks depending on speed of growth, plant out into their final growing position suggested above.
Before planting out the young broad beans will need hardening off over 7 - 10 days to reduce shock. To add some protection and warmth to the newly planted beans cover with horticultural fleece until growth is strong.

Direct Sowing

Sow 1 broad bean seed 4cm deep 10cm apart. After sowing cover the seeds with soil and water well. If frosts are forecast cover with horticultural fleece. To extend the harvesting period and to avoid a glut of beans, sow broad beans little and often (every 14 - 21 days) rather than one big sowing.

Growing On

Regular hoeing may be necessary to keep the weeds under control especially during the early stages. Water young plants well every 7 - 10 days. If the weather becomes dry the beans will need extra watering especially when the pods are developing. If birds are a problem cover the young crop with bird netting.
As soon as the first beans start to form, remove 8 - 10 cm of the growing tips of the main stem. This ensures an earlier harvest and helps to prevent problems from blackfly. These sweet tender offcuts are delicious lightly steamed and served with a little butter!
When the plants reach around 60 - 70 cm in height they will need extra support. Place stakes (such as strong bamboo canes) every 100 - 150 cm along each row. Tie 2 pieces of string to an end stake (approx. 30 cm from the ground). Weave the 2 pieces of string in between all of the stakes in the row so that the plants are held within the 2 strings. (String should now be on either side of each plant in the row). Tie the end of the string to the last stake at the other end of the row. Repeat this 2 - 3 times to every row leaving about 25 - 30 cm distance between each line of string.

Harvesting

To harvest the pods apply a sharp downward twist. Begin harvesting the broad beans when they are about 7 - 10 cm long. At this young age the pods are very tender and sweet and can be eaten whole. For larger beans wait until the shape of the beans just start to show through the pods. If the beans are left to grow to full length the bean will develop a tough outer shell. Some people prefer to remove this outer shell before cooking (shelling).
After the last beans have been harvested, cut the plants at soil level. Leave the roots (which may have produced nitrogen nodules) in the ground for the next crop to use and benefit from.
Broad beans will store well in a polythene bag for up to one week in the fridge. These beans freeze very well. Wash the beans thoroughly, blanch for 3 minutes. Freeze in a polythene bag and use within 12 months.