my LocalPlanting

When to Plant Fava Bean in Whittier, California (90607)

Location

Whittier, California

ZIP Code

90607

USDA Zone

10b

Last Frost

Thursday, January 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Based on last frost Thursday, January 15, 2026 · Zone 10b

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 Whittier?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Thursday, December 18, 2025.

* 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 Whittier, California? +

In Whittier (Zone 10b), direct sow Fava Bean outdoors around Thursday, December 18, 2025.

What is the last frost date for Whittier, California? +

The average last spring frost date for Whittier, California (ZIP 90607) is around Thursday, January 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 10b.

How long does Fava Bean take to grow? +

Fava Bean typically matures in about 85 days from direct sowing. In Whittier, that means you can expect harvest around Thursday, December 18, 2025 plus 85 days.

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

Fava Bean does best when direct sown outdoors. In Whittier, sow directly around Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Other Plants for Whittier

Growing Fava Bean in Zone 10b

Fava Bean (Vicia faba) is a popular garden vegetable. In Whittier, California, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b, you should direct sow seeds around Thursday, December 18, 2025.

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