my LocalPlanting

When to Plant Fava Bean in Corwith, Iowa (50430)

Location

Corwith, Iowa

ZIP Code

50430

USDA Zone

5a

Last Frost

Sunday, May 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, May 10, 2026 · Zone 5a

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 Corwith?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, April 12, 2026.

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🤝 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

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🌾 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 Corwith, Iowa? +

In Corwith (Zone 5a), direct sow Fava Bean outdoors around Sunday, April 12, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Corwith, Iowa? +

The average last spring frost date for Corwith, Iowa (ZIP 50430) is around Sunday, May 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5a.

How long does Fava Bean take to grow? +

Fava Bean typically matures in about 85 days from direct sowing. In Corwith, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, April 12, 2026 plus 85 days.

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

Fava Bean does best when direct sown outdoors. In Corwith, sow directly around Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Other Plants for Corwith

Growing Fava Bean in Zone 5a

Fava Bean (Vicia faba) is a popular garden vegetable. In Corwith, Iowa, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, you should direct sow seeds around Sunday, April 12, 2026.

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