When to plant Fava Beans in Marion County, FL
In Zone 9a (Marion County), direct-sow Fava Beans between January 25 and February 15 for spring, after the February 15 last-frost mark. A second sowing from October 6 to October 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Fava Beans in Marion County, FL
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.
Marion County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 289 days.
At an elevation of 244 feet, Marion County receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Fava Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Fava Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fava Beans root diseases.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.9
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Marion County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Marion County, FL
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 18 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 15 | Feb 15 – Mar 1 |
| Direct Sow | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 15 |
| Harvest | May 3 | May 3 – Jun 14 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
289 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Marion 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 Marion County, FL?
Marion County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 15. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, FL?
Marion County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 15 and first fall frost is December 1.
When should I plant Fava Beans in Marion County, FL?
In Marion County, FL, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around February 15) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Marion County, FL for Fava Beans?
Marion County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Fava Beans grow in Marion County's climate?
Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Marion County's temperate climate. Marion County averages a 290-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 15 and first frost around December 1.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marion County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.