Diversity Fava Bean Seeds

Diversity Fava Bean Seeds - Vicia faba - Broad Bean Seeds

Vicia faba
Broad Bean Seeds

Hardy to Zone 7, possibly colder
Full Sun
Germination Tested November 22, 2024: 100%

Approximately 15 seeds per packet

$5.50 CAD

Sale Sold out

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These fava beans are a beautiful mix of many varieties that were gifted or traded with friends over the years. Previously called "Andean Rainbow", I've renamed these this year to to "Diversity" to reflect the diverse origins of these seeds. Fava beans originated in the fertile crescent, probably being the oldest crop in cultivation. They were eventually brought over to South America where farmers cultivated a huge diversity in colours and patterns. This mix is a celebration of diversity, generosity, and the gratitude for the many generations of seed stewards who protected and shared these seeds.

Some beans in each packet will be crossed with one another, so each bean you grow out will be unique. 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 many new fava bean varieties!

50% of proceeds from these packets will go to the UN World Food Programme Palestine to distribute food to families in Gaza and the West Bank.

Known varieties include:

- The very rare Atahualpa’s (Atawallpa’s) fingerprint (also called Ur Kupina). This is a beautiful ancient landrace variety named after the last Incan emperor, 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.

- 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 of Diverse Garden from markets in Peru.

- Extra Precoce A Grano Violetto, sent to me by my friend Jolene of Short Season Seeds 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.

Fava beans were also contributed by Good Earth Farms, Homestead Culture, Pflanzenshätze, & Going to Seed.

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!

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 and delicious as well. For dried beans, let the pods shrivel before picking.

Shipping & Returns

We ship seeds via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, and Internationally for a flat rate of $20*. Shipping costs to the US will include the cost of a phytosanitary inspection and certificate, as well as tariffs.

Live plants, bulbs, and bulbils can only be shipped within Canada.

Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars, and may change without notice.

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 the Eastern provinces and rural areas.

Customers can now opt for tracked, express shipping options at checkout if you require faster delivery.

Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.

Shipping to the US

Shipping charges to the US will also now include a government phytosanitary inspection and certificate. This will be bundled into the shipping cost. We ship via Canada Post, and any applicable duties will be calculated at checkout. So far (as of Sept 1, 2025), it's looking like there are no duties charged on seeds.

Please expect delays for US shipping, as during busy times it can take up to 2 weeks for us to book a phytosanitary inspection.

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, or for any additional duties or tariffs placed on your order.

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.