When to Plant Fava Beans in Plumas County, CA
Fava beans are a cool-season legume with large, meaty beans inside thick pods. They fix nitrogen in the soil and are one of the oldest cultivated crops.
Plumas County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.
At an elevation of 1,185 feet, Plumas County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Plumas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Fava Beans
Fava Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Fava Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 6.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Plumas County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Plumas County, CA
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Sep 16 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
141 days in Plumas County
Growing Tips for Plumas County
Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Pinch growing tips when pods begin to form to redirect energy and reduce aphid problems. Stake tall varieties.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Fava Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fava Beans in Plumas County, CA?
Plumas County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Plumas County, CA?
Plumas County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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