Bean (broad) 'The Sutton' Vicia faba 'The Sutton'
ABOUT
'The Sutton' is a variety of broad bean, a hardy, upright annual, with square-sectioned stems clothed with oblong, blue-green leaves. Clusters of scented, tubular, black and white flowers are produced all the way up the stem, followed by pods up to 15cm long with an average of six, white-skinned beans per pod
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae.
Synonyms
Broad Bean, Fava Bean, Field Bean, Bell Bean, Tick Bean, Horse Bean, Windsor Bean, Pigeon Bean, English Bean.
Common names
Faba sativa Moench, Faba vulgaris Moench, Faba equina Gray, Vicia equina (Gray) Alef., Vicia faba var. minor Harz, Vicia faba var. paucijuga Freyn, Vicia faba var. equina Pers.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutrient-Rich Food Source: Fava beans are a high-protein, fiber-rich legume, providing essential amino acids and nutrients.
- Nitrogen Fixation: As a legume, fava beans enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, making them beneficial for crop rotation and soil health.
- Attracts Pollinators: Fava beans produce flowers that attract bees and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Cold Tolerant: 'The Sutton' variety of fava beans is particularly cold hardy, suitable for early spring or late autumn planting.
- Compact Growth: This dwarf variety is suitable for smaller gardens or raised beds where space is limited.
- Culinary Versatility: Fava beans have various culinary uses, from salads to stews, and can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or canned.
- Cover Crop: Can be used as a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds that feed on the beans.
- Easy to Grow: 'The Sutton' is known for being easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Edible Pods: Young pods can be cooked and consumed, providing additional garden yields.
- Ornamental Qualities: With its attractive foliage and flowers, fava beans also have aesthetic value in a garden setting.
Medical Properties- Levodopa Source: Broad beans, including Vicia faba 'The Sutton', contain levodopa (L-dopa), a compound used to treat Parkinson's disease.
- Antioxidant Activity: Broad beans are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, natural antioxidants that may protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Iron Content: Being a good source of iron, they may help in preventing anemia by contributing to the body's iron supply.
- Fiber Content: The high dietary fiber in broad beans may aid in digestion and help maintain bowel health.
- Protein Source: Broad beans provide vegetable protein which can be beneficial for muscle repair and growth.
- Phytoestrogen Content: They contain phytoestrogens that might have a role in managing symptoms associated with menopause and osteoporosis.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Vicia faba can be used to produce a green dye when the pods are harvested young and used in the dyeing process.
- In biodegradable materials: The starch from broad beans can be extracted and used as a biodegradable plastic to make eco-friendly materials.
- As a companion plant: Broad beans are often planted with other crops to deter pests and provide a beneficial habitat for pollinators.
- As livestock feed: The plants can be used as a nutritious forage for livestock when other food sources are scarce.
- In educational projects: Broad beans grow relatively easily and can be used in school projects to teach children about plant biology and agriculture.
- Plant-based inks: The extracts from broad beans can be used in the creation of natural inks for art and printing.
- Biological nitrogen fixation demonstrations: Broad beans are great examples for demonstrating symbiotic relationships and nitrogen fixation in educational settings.
- In traditional crafts: Some cultures use the dried pods of broad beans in crafting ornaments or decorations.
- As natural pest control: The plant can be used in gardens to repel certain aphids and other pests, helping to protect other plants.
- For improving soil quality: Broad beans can be used as a cover crop to prevent erosion and improve soil structure due to their deep root systems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Broad Bean is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Broad Bean is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Productivity and Abundance: As a plant that produces edible beans abundantly, Vicia faba 'The Sutton', also known as broad bean, symbolizes productivity and the capacity for creating and sustaining life.
- Connection to the Earth: The broad bean, growing directly in the soil, represents grounding and a deep connection to the earth and nature's cycles.
- Prosperity: Since broad beans were historically grown as a staple food, they are often associated with prosperity and sustenance, signifying material well-being and wealth.
WaterFor Broad beans, which is the common name for Vicia faba 'The Sutton', watering should be done deeply so the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged, typically once a week with approximately half a gallon per plant depending on soil type and weather conditions; it's crucial to ensure consistent soil moisture during flowering and pod formation. In dry spells, watering may need to increase to twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant. Newly planted seeds or seedlings might require more frequent watering, but always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
LightBroad beans prefer full sun exposure, ideally receiving at least six hours of sunlight daily. The best spot for them is an area that gets direct sunlight for the majority of the day, with some light afternoon shade in hotter climates; this ensures healthy growth and optimal pod production.
TemperatureBroad beans thrive in cooler temperatures, with an ideal range between 50°F and 70°F; they can handle a minimum temperature down to around 40°F and a maximum of about 75°F before it impacts the plant's growth negatively. They are well-suited for early spring and fall planting, avoiding the intense heat of mid-summer.
PruningPruning Broad beans is not usually necessary, but pinching out the growing tip after the first pods start to form can reduce blackfly infestations and encourage bushier growth. Prune during the mid-flowering stage for the best results, as this will also help increase yields and air circulation around the plants.
CleaningNot needed
SoilBroad beans (Vicia faba 'The Sutton') thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. A rich loam with added compost is ideal.
RepottingBroad beans are typically not repotted as they are annuals, best sown directly into their final outdoor position.
Humidity & MistingBroad beans prefer moderate conditions and do not require high humidity environments; average outdoor humidity is suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant broad beans in deep pots with support; place in full sun.
Outdoor
Sow in full sun, in fertile soil, space 8 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleVicia faba 'The Sutton', commonly known as Dwarf Broad Bean, begins its life cycle with seed germination, where the seeds swell and sprout, typically in cooler temperatures of early spring or late winter. The seedlings grow into compact, bushy plants with stout stems and deep green foliage, reaching flowering maturity in the spring or early summer. Flowers are white with black markings, leading to the self-pollination process or pollination by insects, mainly bees. After pollination, flowers develop into thick, leathery pods that contain the broad beans and support the growth and maturation of the seeds inside. As the pods mature, they change from green to a darker color and the seeds within swell until they reach full size; the plant can be harvested when pods are plump and the beans inside are firm. Finally, the plant completes its life cycle by dying back after seed production, leaving the seeds to either be collected for future sowing or to possibly self-sow and begin a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Vicia faba 'The Sutton', more commonly known as the broad bean 'The Sutton', is typically propagated through seeds. The most popular method for propagating these beans is direct sowing into the ground. This should be done in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, optimally when the soil temperature reaches approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). To sow, place the seeds about 2 inches (5 cm) deep, spaced about 8 inches (20 cm) apart, in rows 18 inches (45 cm) apart. It is essential to ensure the soil is well-draining and has been enriched with organic matter before planting. Water the seeds gently after sowing to encourage germination without washing them away. As these are hardy plants, they will often be the first to sprout and can endure a little frost.
