Vicia faba 'Witkiem Major'
bean (broad) 'Witkiem Major'
An upright, bushy, half-hardy annual grown for its edible broad beans to around 100cm in height. This early-season variety produces masses of black-white flowers in summer, followed by high yields of short, glossy green pods containing 5 large, full-flavoured beans per pod. Sow from February to May for harvesting from June to September
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black White | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Vicia are annuals, herbaceous perennials or climbers; leaves may be simple or divided into many small leaflets, often ending in a tendril. The yellow, purple, white or pink, pea-like flowers are produced in small clusters on the stem or in larger, upright sprays
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Does best in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, moist but well-drained soil, though most soils will produce an adequate crop. May be sown in Oct/Nov and protected overwinter with cloches, for an early harvest. Otherwise sow in February in pots in a cold greenhouse or in March/Apr outdoors. Plants may need support. See broad-bean cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mice, blackfly (black aphid) and pea and bean weevil
Diseases
May be susceptible to Broad bean chocolate spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.