What Is the Growth Process of Broad Beans? Latest Detailed Explanation

Broad beans are native to the Mediterranean coast of Europe, southwestern Asia and North Africa. Legend has it that Zhang Qian introduced them to the Central Plains from the Western Regions during the Western Han Dynasty. They can be grown in most provinces nationwide. South of the Yangtze River, autumn sowing and winter growing are the main practice, while north of the Yangtze River, early spring sowing is the main practice. Now let us take a look together at the growth process of broad beans!

Germination and emergence stage

The germination and emergence stage of broad beans lasts about 11~30 days. From the radicle breaking through the seed coat to the main stem (young sprout) extending 2~3 cm above the ground is the germination and emergence stage.

Seedling growth stage

The seedling growth stage of broad beans lasts more than 90 days. During this period, the main stem extends upward, branches continuously form, and flower bud differentiation proceeds until budding begins.

Budding and branching stage

The budding and branching stage of broad beans lasts 35~40 days, from the first flower cluster at the lower part of the main stem or branches beginning to bud to flowering. During this stage, the roots, stems and leaves of broad beans grow vigorously, early branches begin to bud, and later branches form in large numbers, showing that vegetative growth and reproductive growth proceed simultaneously. It is also the period when a large number of branches form.

Flowering and pod-setting stage

The flowering and pod-setting stage of broad beans lasts 60~65 days. The period from flowering and pod setting to the natural fall of leaves is the flowering period. From flowering to about 7 days after flowering ends is the period of rapid vegetative growth and abundant flowering and pod setting in the life of broad beans. From the beginning of seed filling to before the leaves naturally fall, as vegetative growth gradually stops, grain filling speeds up and a grain-filling peak appears.

Seed maturation stage

10-20 days. From the natural fall of leaves, the pods and seeds reach full size until the pod shells turn dark brown, and the seeds gradually lose water,