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When to Plant Fava Bean in Charleston, West Virginia (25321)

Location

Charleston, West Virginia

ZIP Code

25321

USDA Zone

7a

Last Frost

Friday, April 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, March 13, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, April 10, 2026 · Zone 7a

Pro tip: Sow Fava Bean directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Vicia faba
Days to Maturity 85 days
Mature Height 24-48"
Spread 9"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

6" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

2" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Fava Bean in Charleston?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, March 13, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CarrotPotatoBeetSpinach

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

OnionGarlicFennel
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Fava Bean

See which plants help Fava Bean thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow pods to dry completely on the plant and turn black.

Processing

Shell dried pods, cure seeds on a screen for 2 weeks, then store in a cool dry place.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Fava beans can cross-pollinate via insects — isolate by 300 feet from other fava varieties to keep pure.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Fava Bean. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fava Bean in Charleston, West Virginia? +

In Charleston (Zone 7a), direct sow Fava Bean outdoors around Friday, March 13, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Charleston, West Virginia? +

The average last spring frost date for Charleston, West Virginia (ZIP 25321) is around Friday, April 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 7a.

How long does Fava Bean take to grow? +

Fava Bean typically matures in about 85 days from direct sowing. In Charleston, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, March 13, 2026 plus 85 days.

Should I start Fava Bean indoors or direct sow in West Virginia? +

Fava Bean does best when direct sown outdoors. In Charleston, sow directly around Friday, March 13, 2026.

Other Plants for Charleston

Growing Fava Bean in Zone 7a

Fava Bean (Vicia faba) is a popular garden vegetable. In Charleston, West Virginia, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, March 13, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, April 10, 2026. Fava Bean grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.