Blog

When to plant Fava Beans in Macon County, MO

Macon County's spring Fava Beans window runs April 3 through April 24. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Fava Beans in Macon 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.

Macon County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.

At an elevation of 974 feet, Macon County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Fava Beans to ensure they mature before fall.

Macon County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
183 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
183 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Macon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Macon County, MO

Fava Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 24
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Aug 14
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

183 days in Macon County

Growing Tips for Macon 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fava Beans in Macon County, MO?

Macon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macon County, MO?

Macon County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Fava Beans in Macon County, MO?

In Macon County, MO, plant Fava Beans after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Macon County, MO for Fava Beans?

Macon County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Fava Beans grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Fava Beans grow in Macon County's climate?

Yes — Fava Beans grows well in Macon County's temperate climate. Macon County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Macon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Macon County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Macon County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.