When to Plant Fava Beans in Eagle County, CO
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.
Eagle County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 7,116 feet, Eagle County receives approximately 24.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.
Eagle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Eagle County, CO
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 |
| Direct Sow | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 30 |
| Fall Sowing | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jun 29 |
| Harvest | September 1 | Sep 1 – Oct 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
75–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
83 days
Growing Tips for Eagle 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
Level Up Your Garden
Fava Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fava Beans in Eagle County, CO?
Eagle County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Eagle County, CO?
Eagle County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Eagle County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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