Broad beans, Vicia faba, are easy to grow, bearing an early crop of delicious, tender beans suitable for using in the first of the summer salads.
Vicia faba 'Optica' has a compact growing habit, making it ideal for growing in smaller gardens and even containers. It bears medium length pods of succulent white beans.
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Pinch out growing tips in spring to deter blackfly, and support plants in exposed gardens.
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Vicia ‘Optica’ and wildlife
Vicia ‘Optica’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.