Vicia faba 'Robin Hood'
bean (broad) 'Robin Hood'
An upright, bushy half-hardy annual grown for its edible seeds. This dwarf broad bean has compact stems to 45cm high, and glaucous green leaves. Clusters of black and white flowers are followed by mid-sized bright green pods, each with 3-5 green beans
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black White | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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. Sow in February in pots in a cold greenhouse or in March/Apr outdoors. This dwarf cultivar is ideal for container growing or for smaller gardens. 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
Picking off the tender tips of the shoots can delay and reduce infestation by black bean aphid, and also improve the yield
Pests
May be susceptible to pea and bean weevil and black bean aphid. Stored seed may be susceptible to broad bean seed beetle
Diseases
May be susceptible to broad bean rust and 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.