When to Plant Fava Bean in San Jose, California (95113)

Location

San Jose, California

ZIP Code

95113

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 San Jose?

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 San Jose, California? +

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

What is the last frost date for San Jose, California? +

The average last spring frost date for San Jose, California (ZIP 95113) 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 San Jose, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, January 13, 2026 plus 85 days.

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

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

📚 More Fava Bean Planting Guides

🗺️

Fava Bean in California

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 9b Fava Bean Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for San Jose

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Growing Fava Bean in Zone 9b

Fava Bean (Vicia faba) is a popular garden vegetable. In San Jose, California, 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.