How to Grow Broad Beans in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
A mainstay of the winter garden. In Auckland direct sow from autumn into early winter and let them stand through the cool months. Pinch out the growing tips once pods form to discourage aphids and push energy into the beans. Fixes nitrogen in the soil.
When to plant broad beans in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | March, April, May, June, July |
| Auckland | March, April, May, June, July |
| Waikato & BoP | March, April, May, June, July |
| Wellington | March, April, May, June, July |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March, April, May, June, July |
| Canterbury | March, April, May, June, July |
| Otago & Southland | March, April, May, June, July |
| Central Otago | March, April, May, June, July |
Best broad beans varieties for NZ
- Aquadulce, Early hardy broad bean for autumn sowing, long well-filled pods. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds, Mitre 10)
- Coles Dwarf Prolific, Compact self-supporting bush, good for windy or small gardens. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- Crimson Flowered, Heritage variety with deep-red flowers, tender beans, ornamental. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow broad beans
- Space plants about 20cm apart.
- Sow seed around 5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow broad beans near: Potato, Corn, Lettuce, Celery.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Black aphid, Chocolate spot, Rust. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
When it goes wrong
The most common ways broad beans trips people up, and what to change next time:
Black tips crawling with insects
Blackfly on the soft tips. Pinch out the growing tips once the plants are flowering well.
Plants flop over
Tall and wind-rocked. Stake a string fence around the row to hold them up.
Flowers but no pods
Cold or few pollinators early on. They usually set as it warms, so do not overfeed with nitrogen.
🌱 Plant Broad Beans in your garden →FAQ
When is the best time to plant broad beans in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in March, April, May, June, July. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy broad beans seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds, Mitre 10.