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When to Plant Fava Bean in Monroe, Louisiana (71213)

Location

Monroe, Louisiana

ZIP Code

71213

USDA Zone

8b

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

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 Monroe?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, February 15, 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 Monroe, Louisiana? +

In Monroe (Zone 8b), direct sow Fava Bean outdoors around Sunday, February 15, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Monroe, Louisiana? +

The average last spring frost date for Monroe, Louisiana (ZIP 71213) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Fava Bean take to grow? +

Fava Bean typically matures in about 85 days from direct sowing. In Monroe, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, February 15, 2026 plus 85 days.

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

Fava Bean does best when direct sown outdoors. In Monroe, sow directly around Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Other Plants for Monroe

Growing Fava Bean in Zone 8b

Fava Bean (Vicia faba) is a popular garden vegetable. In Monroe, Louisiana, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should direct sow seeds around Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, March 15, 2026. Fava Bean grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.