Andean Rainbow Fava Bean Seeds
Andean Rainbow Fava Bean Seeds - Vicia faba - Broad Bean Seeds
Broad Bean Seeds
- Hardy to Zone 7, possibly colder
Full Sun
- Germination Tested November 22, 2024: 100%
- Approximately 15 seeds per packet
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Expected to restock in December 2025.
These fava beans are a beautiful mix of three varieties that were gifted or traded with friends.
First is the very rare Atahualpa’s (Atawallpa’s) fingerprint (also called Ur Kupina). This is a beautiful ancient landrace variety named after the last Incan emporor, who was killed by Spanish colonizers. The seeds have mesmerizing spiral patterns. I’ve been working to adapt this variety to our winters: I only had a few plants survive a brutal winter a few years ago, and the resulting seeds are mostly from these plants.
Second is the Red Cheeked Fava. When fresh, these beans have a light green or tan background with a vibrant red “cheek”. Both this variety and the one above were purchased by my friend Peter from markets in Peru.
Last variety is Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto, sent to me by my friend Jolene in northern BC. They come in various shades of purple, and are extra early and cold tolerant. Long pods contain 6 or 7 beans each.
The beans in each packet will be crossed with one another, so each bean you grow out will be unique. I’m hoping some have purple spirals, and neat traits will keep popping up over generations of growing this mix out. Select the ones you love and keep planting them. This could be the start of new fava bean varieties!
Apparently the fingerprint pattern is recessive and easily lost when crossed with other varieties, so future breeding efforts could select for strong fingerprint patterning if you want that trait to continue.
To harvest, shell the beans when fresh, then steam and serve with butter and salt. Or dry the beans and use in soups throughout the winter. Favas also make great hummous!
I haven’t had great winter survival with the Atahualpa’s fingerprint, so I’d recommend an early spring planting instead. Or you can start them indoors early in the season, and then transplant them outdoors, like my friend Jenelle of Nanoose Creek Farmhouse.
Growing Instructions
Growing Instructions
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
We ship seeds via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, United States for $20, and Internationally for $20*. Live plants, bulbs, and bulbils can only be shipped within Canada.
Shipping in Canada
We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-3 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order, but occasionally orders take longer, especially to Ontario and East.
Customers can now opt for tracked, express shipping options at checkout as well.
Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.
Shipping to the US
We now require all US shoppers to obtain a Small Lot Seed Permit before we can mail your seeds. It's free to apply and you will likely be granted the permit instantly. We appreciate if you can email us your permit as soon as you can after your purchase.
To apply for your Small Seed Lot Import Permit:
- Go to https://efile.aphis.usda.gov/s/
- Select PPQ-587 in the dropdown menu and click "Get Started".
- Login and follow the instructions to obtain a permit. It's best to list "Eligible Taxa" instead of listing all the species you'd like to import so you don't need to worry about missing any species.
- Once you receive your permit, promptly email us a PDF copy, including the yellow/green coloured labels. Tell us if which USDA station you want us to send the seeds to. If not mentioned we will choose one. Also let us know your order number. Our email is grow@cicadaseeds.ca
- We are not able to send any pepper or tomato seeds, or any live plant materials to the US due to restrictions.
After receiving your documentation, we will follow all requirements for mailing your seeds to the inspection facility. We will ship via tracked parcel, and you will receive the tracking number. Orders will be mailed first to a plant inspection facility in the US, then they forward the package on to your address after inspection. This can take several weeks, depending on how long the inspection takes. Unfortunately we are not able to replace packages that are confiscated or destroyed by customs.
Shipping Internationally
International customers can select tracked or untracked shipping at checkout. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. We are not able to send any live plant materials internationally. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held or confiscated by customs.
International shipping countries include: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.
This list may change without notice. Sometimes Canada Post will not allow us to ship to certain countries due to wars or natural disasters, see this page for delivery service alerts: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page
Please reach out if your country is not on this list, email us and we will try to arrange an alternate shipping option.
If you have any issues with your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will do our best to make it right.
*Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars.
Ecologically Grown
Ecologically Grown
Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
