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How to Grow Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Red Epicure

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Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Red Epicure

Vicia faba 'Red Epicure'

vegetable

Red Epicure is a striking cultivar of broad bean (fava bean) that produces deep red or burgundy pods and beans with red-tinged seeds. This cold-hardy annual legume is prized for its ornamental appeal and rich, nutty flavor. It's excellent for fresh eating, cooking, and as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop.

Looking for a specific variety?

Red Epicure Aquadulce Windsor Stereo Karmazyn Extra Precoce Violetta

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Example Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Red Epicure timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Red Epicure

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Red Epicure

    Around Jul 6

    ≈ 80 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Red Epicure dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in warmer regions
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Water: Moderate and consistent moisture; water deeply when soil is dry 1-2 inches below surface. Reduce watering once plants flower to avoid rust and mildew. Drought-tolerant once established.
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Spacing: 6 inches
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Days to maturity: 80-100 days from planting to first pod harvest
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Planting depth: 2-3 inches deep for seeds

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, moderately fertile
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Aged compost or well-rotted manure before planting Avoid excessive nitrogen (legumes fix their own) Add potassium if soil is poor

Growing Zones

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Zones 2-9; thrives in cool to moderate climates with fall or early spring planting

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds sprout within 2-3 weeks; cotyledons emerge followed by first true leaves. Plants are frost-hardy and can tolerate light frosts.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide full sun. Thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct seeding. No heat stress at this stage.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plants develop compound leaves and strong stems 12-18 inches tall. Foliage is lush and green; no flowers yet. Red stems may already be visible.

Maintain consistent moisture. Stake or support taller varieties if needed to prevent wind damage. Side-dress with compost if growth slows.

3

Flowering

3-4 weeks

White flowers with distinctive dark blotches appear in clusters along the stems. Plants may reach 24-30 inches. Red buds and flower stems are highly ornamental.

Reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive foliage. Water at soil level to minimize mildew. Mulch around base to maintain moisture and prevent splashing.

4

Pod Development & Early Maturity

2-4 weeks

Flowers set pods that swell quickly. Pods begin as small green structures and develop the characteristic burgundy-red color. Visible bean outlines within pods.

Continue moderate watering. Avoid overhead watering. Pods are ready when 4-6 inches long for tender eating, or allow to mature for dried beans.

5

Harvest Maturity

2-3 weeks (or longer if harvesting dried)

Pods reach full size with deep red color. Beans inside are full-sized and firm. Plant yellows slightly as harvest period approaches.

Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. If harvesting for dried beans, allow pods to dry on plant until brown and brittle.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Carrots Chard Spinach Lettuce Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) Corn Squash Pumpkin Marigolds Borage Mint

Avoid planting near:

Garlic Leek Onion Other Vicia species in succession Fennel Rue

Common Pests

  • Remove affected pods; cover young plants with row cloth; plant early to avoid peak activity; use neem oil if necessary

  • Early planting avoids peak emergence; remove infested pods; clean garden debris in fall

  • Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs

  • Use row covers; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; plant companions that attract parasitoid wasps

  • Improve air circulation; water at soil level only; avoid wetting foliage; remove infected leaves; plant in well-draining soil

Uses

🍳

Fresh & Cooked Dishes

Culinary

Young tender pods can be eaten whole like snap peas. Mature beans are shelled and used in soups, stews, salads, purées, and Mediterranean cuisine. Red Epicure has a rich, nutty flavor that is more pronounced than other fava varieties. [source]

🍳

Fava Paste & Spreads

Culinary

Dried or fresh beans can be pureed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon to create traditional Mediterranean spreads. The beans have a creamy texture ideal for hummus-like preparations. [source]

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Nutritional & Health Benefits

Medicinal

Fava beans are rich in protein, fiber, folate, and polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically used in traditional medicine for digestive and metabolic support. [source]

🏠

Nitrogen-Fixing Cover Crop

Household

As a legume, fava beans form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, enriching soil naturally. Plant as a winter cover crop and till in spring to improve soil fertility for subsequent crops. [source]

🎨

Ornamental Garden Feature

Craft

Red Epicure's deep burgundy pods, red-tinged stems, and distinctive white flowers with black markings make it highly ornamental. Perfect for edible flower gardens and visual interest in vegetable plots. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For fresh eating: Pick pods when 4-6 inches long and pods snap cleanly. Harvest every 2-3 days to maximize production. For dried beans: Allow pods to fully mature on the plant until they turn brown and papery (usually 100+ days); pods will rattle when shaken. Shell dried pods and store beans in cool, dry conditions for up to 1 year. Plants can often be harvested for 3-4 weeks if picked young.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Fava beans have been cultivated since antiquity and were among the first crops domesticated in the Middle East, with evidence dating back 8,000+ years.
  • 🌱 In Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, fava beans have been a staple protein source for millennia, and the dish 'ful medames' (mashed favas) is still a beloved breakfast across the region.
  • 🌱 A small percentage of people of Mediterranean, African, and Asian descent carry a genetic trait (G6PD deficiency) that can cause adverse reactions to eating raw or undercooked fava beans, though cooked beans are generally safe.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Compost Cover Crop Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade True Leaves
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