When to Plant Fava Beans in Curry County, OR
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.
Curry County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.
At an elevation of 295 feet, Curry County receives approximately 53.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fava Beans root diseases.
Curry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Curry County
How your county's soil matches Fava Beans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) overlaps with Fava Beans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Curry County is excellent for Fava Beans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.4%) — Fava Beans will thrive.
How to Plant Fava Beans
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Fava Beans
Sow every 8.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 26.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 8.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 7.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Curry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fava Beans Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Curry County, OR
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Direct Sow | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 21 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Jul 18 |
| Fall Sowing | September 26 | Sep 26 – Oct 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
75–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
245 days in Curry County
Growing Tips for Fava Beans in Curry County
Direct sow Fava Beans outdoors after March 21 in Curry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Fava Beans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Curry County, OR?
Curry County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Curry County, OR?
Curry County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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