Broad Bean 'Aprovecho'
Vicia faba 'Aprovecho'NEW. MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE. This rare heirloom broad bean has been generously made available to Diggers through our seed donation program. The biggest broad bean we have ever grown, the strong 2m tall plants bare 28cm long pods that contain four large, easy to peel, delicious broad beans. A precious gift and an excellent variety for the broad bean connoisseur.
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Broad Bean 'Aprovecho'
A gardeners gift, this rare heirloom was originally selected from broad beans grown and selected at the Aprovecho Research Station in Oregon. While this variety was almost lost in the USA, The Diggers Club was generously gifted seed by a Diggers Member who had been gifted seed from an elderly Italian gardener who wanted to ensure his special broad bean was grown by others. He originally brought this heirloom broad bean with him to Australia in the early 1950's when he immigrated and had been growing and saving his own seed ever since. We are honoured to preserve his legacy and share it with others.
Broad beans can be planted from autumn to spring, but must be done so that they finish flowering before the daytime temperature reaches 20 deg C. Preferring slightly alkaline soil, the addition of some lime is beneficial in more acid soils. Reasonable amount of air circulation to prevent fungal diseases is required. The best solution is to place stakes at the end of the rowsand tie string from stake to stake to support them. Pinch 10cm off the top of the plants as the flowers are fading to help 'set' the pods. Pick when young for maximum tenderness.