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 15, 2023: 100%
- Approximately 15 seeds per packet
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
Fava beans are cold-tolerant. Direct sow in late winter/early spring (Feb-April). Sow about 1" deep. Or start indoors and transplant out in early spring. Or try direct sowing in fall (Sept-Nov on the south coast of BC), but some plants might not survive the cold depending on your conditions.
Harvest the pods as they fill out and start to droop down. The growing shoots are edible as well. For dried beans, let the pods shrivel before picking.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
We ship seeds within Canada for a flat fee of $6, United States for $10, and internationally for $20*. Live plants and large bulbs can only be shipped within Canada.
Any shipping overages will be refunded.
Shipping in Canada
We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-2 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order. Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.
Shipping to the US
We ship all US orders via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-2 weeks to arrive.
In our experience shipping seeds over several years, most small orders will make it across the border without issues, but occasionally they will be held at US Customs.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that seeds or bulbils are allowed to be sent to your region. We are not able to replace packages that are confiscated or destroyed by customs in your country.
Shipping Internationally
International orders are usually shipped via untracked packet. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held of confiscated by customs.
International shipping countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom
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.