Stacked Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Beans arranged on a white background.
A handful of Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Beans at various stages of maturity on a pastel background.
A macro view of Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Beans with pods at various stages of maturity.
Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Beans with pods arranged on a white background.
A single Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Bean on a pastel background.
Farmer Frank smiles as he holds up some Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Bean plants.
Stacked Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Beans arranged on a white background.
A handful of Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Beans at various stages of maturity on a pastel background.
A macro view of Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Beans with pods at various stages of maturity.
Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Beans with pods arranged on a white background.
A single Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Bean on a pastel background.
Farmer Frank smiles as he holds up some Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto Fava Bean plants.

Fava Bean Seeds,
Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto

416 ReviewsSKU: #FB105Min. seed count: 15
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Description

(Vicia faba). This extra-early and cold-tolerant broad bean variety produces long, thick pods filled with 6 large, purple, sweet-tasting beans. Great fresh or dried. A unique and colorful heirloom variety from Italy.

Growing Tips: Fava beans thrive in cool weather and prefer rich, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall for mild climates. Keep soil evenly moist during flowering and pod formation, but avoid waterlogging. As legumes, they naturally enrich soil with nitrogen, making them excellent for rotation crops. Harvest pods when plump and beans are still tender for best flavor and texture.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Vicia faba
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Bush
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
80–90
Planting Depth
1–2 in.
Plant Spacing
6 in.
Ideal Temperature
55–70°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Sow Extra Precoce a Grano Violetto fava bean seeds in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, or in fall in regions with mild winters. Avoid midsummer heat, which reduces pod set. For continuous production, stagger plantings every two to three weeks until temperatures rise above 80°F If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches deep in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0–7.5. Space seeds 6 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart. Fava beans prefer cooler soil conditions and benefit from compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Water thoroughly after sowing and maintain moderate, consistent moisture through emergence.

How to Grow

Once established, fava beans require minimal care. Keep soil moist but not saturated, especially during flowering. Taller plants may need light staking to prevent lodging in windy areas. Remove weeds carefully to avoid disturbing shallow roots. Harvest young pods for tender beans or wait until pods mature and dry for shell beans. Avoid growing in high heat, which inhibits pollination.

How to Save Seeds

  • This variety is a self-pollinating annual legume that sometimes is insect pollinated. If you are growing more than one variety be sure to isolate different varieties by 500 feet to prevent accidental insect-caused cross pollination.
  • Save seeds from at least 10 different plants to ensure genetic strength.
  • Allow seed pods to brown and dry on the plant.
  • If rain is expected, you can harvest nearly dried pods and finish the process in a dry, bright location out of the rain.
  • Release beans from pods and make sure they are fully dry and cannot be dented with a fingernail.
  • Store seeds in a cool, dark, dry place.

FAQ

Can Extra Precoce a Grano Violetto fava beans tolerate frost?

Yes, this variety is lightly frost-tolerant and ideal for early spring or fall planting, often surviving brief cold snaps that would harm other legumes.

How do I know when fava beans are ready to harvest?

Harvest when pods are plump but still green and the beans inside are soft and full-sized. For dry beans, wait until pods turn brown and dry completely on the plant.

Do fava beans improve soil health?

Absolutely. Fava beans are nitrogen-fixing legumes, enriching the soil for future crops and serving as an excellent cover crop for sustainable garden management.

Browse our full range of fava and broad bean seeds.

Customer reviews

4 / 5 16 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Sweet, nutty beans: Sweet and nutty, good enough to eat fresh from the pod.

  • Compact plants: Tops out around 2 to 5 feet, handy in a small garden.

  • Early and cold hardy: Sow as soon as the ground can be worked; pods in two to three months.

  • Purple comes late: Beans turn violet only once fully mature and dried, not fresh.

  • Heads up: Aphids like them and plants fade in heat; sow as early as you can.

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