Rainline Garden

When to plant fava beans in Ellensburg, WA

Plant fava beans from seed, directly in the garden in Ellensburg, Apr 1 – May 6.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Ellensburg's typical last spring frost is April 28. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 1.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

Difficulty
Easy
Sun
Full sun
Spacing
6 inches apart
Planting depth
1 to 2 inches deep
Frost
Handles light frost
First harvest
About 85 days after planting

Step by step

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Apr 1 – May 6, 1 to 2 inches deep, 6 inches apart.
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
  4. Harvest: Pick pods when they bulge with beans but are still green. Shell the beans and slip off the pale skins for the sweetest flavor.

Varieties that do well here

  • Broad Windsor
  • Aquadulce Claudia (for fall sowing)
  • Vroma

Watch out for

Black aphids gather on the growing tips in late spring. Pinch off the tips once pods start forming.

Unlike other beans, favas love cool weather. West of the Cascades they can also be sown in October to overwinter for an early crop.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Ellensburg, WA?

Typically April 28. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 12. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Ellensburg Bowers Field.

Is it too late to plant fava beans in Ellensburg?

The spring planting window runs through May 6. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

How long until I can harvest fava beans?

About 85 days after planting. Pick pods when they bulge with beans but are still green. Shell the beans and slip off the pale skins for the sweetest flavor.

Also plant in Ellensburg around the same time

Planting dates for fava beans in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Ellensburg · Fava beans in every city