Detailed Explanation of the Broad Bean Growth Process: From Sowing to Pod Set and Maturity

The broad bean (Vicia faba) originates from the Mediterranean coast of Europe, southwestern Asia, and North Africa. Legend has it that Zhang Qian introduced it to the Central Plains from the Western Regions. It can be grown in most provinces nationwide. South of the Yangtze River, autumn sowing and winter growing are predominant, while north of the Yangtze River, early spring sowing is predominant. Now let us take a look 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.

Seedling Growth Stage

The seedling growth stage of broad beans lasts more than 90 days. During this period, the main stem elongates 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 simultaneous vegetative and reproductive growth. This is also the period when branches form in large quantities.

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 abscission of leaves is the flowering period. From flowering to about 7 days after flowering ends is the period of rapid vegetative growth and massive flowering and pod setting in the life of the broad bean. From the beginning of grain filling to before the natural abscission of leaves, as vegetative growth gradually stops, grain filling accelerates and a grain-filling peak appears.

Seed Maturation Stage

10-20 days, from the natural abscission of leaves and the pods and seeds reaching full size to the pod shells turning dark brown, the seeds gradually lose water,