Growing Hydroponic Fava Greens: Broad Bean Shoots and Tops
Hydroponic fava greens are the young shoots of Vicia faba, the broad bean, grown in trays or on mats instead of soil. NC State Extension describes fava as a cool season annual legume that does well around the 60s °F. That cool preference suits an indoor shelf.
The short answer
Sow fava seed thickly on a mat or in a shallow tray, hold it dark and moist for a few days, then give it 16 to 18 hours of light. Cut the shoots once the first true leaves open, a stage that usually comes 7 to 21 days after sowing for microgreens.
What are fava greens?
Fava greens are the shoots and top leaves of the broad bean. NC State Extension says the plant can grow 2 to 6 feet tall in the field and that temperatures in the 60s are ideal, with poor yields when days run past the mid 70s. Indoors you harvest it long before that, at the microgreen or baby green stage.
How do you grow fava shoots in trays?
The University of Maryland Extension says you can grow microgreens hydroponically on mats made of hemp, wood fiber, coconut coir, bamboo or jute that fit a standard 10 by 20 inch flat. Maryland lists large seeds such as pea and chickpea among those that sprout faster after a 6 to 12 hour soak, and fava is a large legume seed as well. Utah State University Extension gives pea, another large legume, 150 grams per tray, a 6 hour soak and 3 days under cover.
Utah State suggests 74°F for germination, 72°F with lights on and 68°F with lights off. Press the seed down with a second tray and a 2 to 5 pound weight so roots grow down into the mat. Maryland advises about 16 hours of light from fixtures 6 to 12 inches above the leaves, while Utah State runs lights 18 hours a day. Plan sowings with growing schedule for your hydroponics.
When should you cut them?
Maryland Extension puts microgreens at 2 to 3 inches tall at 7 to 21 days after sowing. Baby greens reach 4 to 6 inches at 21 to 40 days. Cut just above the mat once true leaves expand. Maryland notes that microgreens do not regrow, while baby greens can be cut 1 to 2 more times. Rinse, pat dry and chill for up to 10 days.
Fava greens growing basics
| Stage | What to do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soak | Soak large seed | Maryland gives 6 to 12 hours for large seeds |
| Sow | Spread thickly on a mat | Use a 10 by 20 inch flat |
| Dark | Cover and weight the tray | 74°F for germination |
| Light | 16 to 18 hours a day | Fixtures 6 to 12 inches above |
| Cut | Just above the mat | Microgreens at 7 to 21 days |
Sources: NC State Extension, University of Maryland Extension, Utah State University Extension.
How to: step by step
- Soak the fava seed for several hours.
- Lay a growing mat in a 10 by 20 inch flat and wet it.
- Spread the seed in a single thick layer.
- Cover with a second tray and add a light weight for the first part of the dark period.
- Lift the cover once roots grip the mat and let shoots stretch in the dark a little longer.
- Move the tray under lights for 16 to 18 hours a day.
- Cut just above the mat when the true leaves open.
Troubleshooting
Seeds lift off the mat: add weight on the cover tray during the first days.
Mold on the surface: improve airflow with a small fan and vent any cover, as Maryland advises.
Shoots stretch and flop: lower the lights toward 6 inches or add hours.
Cut your own broad bean shoots
Fava shoots need little beyond a mat, a tray and a light. Compare root zone materials in hydroponic in different mediums, read caring for your hydroponic system and set up the room with hydro setup environment for more greens from Kind Seed Co.
Sources
- Vicia faba (fava bean), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Growing microgreens and baby greens indoors, University of Maryland Extension
- Grow your own microgreens, Utah State University Extension
FAQ
Are fava greens the same as fava microgreens?
They overlap. Maryland Extension calls shoots cut at 2 to 3 inches microgreens and those cut at 4 to 6 inches baby greens.
Do fava shoots regrow after cutting?
Microgreens do not regrow, according to Maryland Extension. Baby greens can be cut 1 to 2 more times.
Should fava seeds be soaked?
Maryland lists large seeds such as pea and chickpea for a 6 to 12 hour soak. Fava is not named, but it is a large legume seed, so a soak is a sensible start.
How warm should the trays be?
Utah State suggests 74°F for germination, 72°F with lights on and 68°F with lights off.
How long do cut shoots last?
Maryland Extension says to rinse, pat dry and refrigerate microgreens for up to 10 days.
