When to Plant Fava Beans in Platte County, MO
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.
Platte County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 1,021 feet, Platte County receives approximately 35.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season.
Platte County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
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
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Platte County, MO
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
199 days
Growing Tips for Platte 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 Platte County, MO?
Platte County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Platte County, MO?
Platte County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Platte County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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