When to Plant Fava Bean in New Orleans, Louisiana (70121)

Location

New Orleans, Louisiana

ZIP Code

70121

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, February 10, 2026 · Zone 9b

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

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🌿 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 New Orleans?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, January 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

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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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 New Orleans, Louisiana? +

In New Orleans (Zone 9b), direct sow Fava Bean outdoors around Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

What is the last frost date for New Orleans, Louisiana? +

The average last spring frost date for New Orleans, Louisiana (ZIP 70121) is around Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9b.

How long does Fava Bean take to grow? +

Fava Bean typically matures in about 85 days from direct sowing. In New Orleans, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, January 13, 2026 plus 85 days.

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

Fava Bean does best when direct sown outdoors. In New Orleans, sow directly around Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

📚 More Fava Bean Planting Guides

🗺️

Fava Bean in Louisiana

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 9b Fava Bean Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for New Orleans

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Growing Fava Bean in Zone 9b

Fava Bean (Vicia faba) is a popular garden vegetable. In New Orleans, Louisiana, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, you should direct sow seeds around Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

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