Vicia faba 'Ratio' – Productive and reliable broad bean for the vegetable garden

Vicia faba 'Ratio' is a robust and reliable broad bean variety, known for its high yield, sturdy plants, and large, tender beans. This vegetable is popular with home gardeners and professional growers alike because of its long harvest period, ease of cultivation, and excellent flavor. With its upright stems and compact growth, 'Ratio' is both functional and attractive in the vegetable garden.

Characteristics of Vicia faba 'Ratio'

'Ratio' is distinguished by large, juicy pods that develop into tender, nutritious beans. The plant forms sturdy, upright stems with dark green foliage and blooms with light purple flowers before the pods form. This broad bean is a cool-season vegetable, ideal for both early and late cultivation, and suitable for both fresh consumption and processing.

Key Features:

• Botanical name: Vicia faba

• Cultivar: 'Ratio'

• Color: Dark green leaves, light purple flowers, large green beans

• Height: 90–120 cm

• Harvest period: 70–90 days after sowing

• Location: Sun to partial shade

• Uses: Vegetable garden, fresh consumption, cooking, freezing

• Winter hardiness: Moderate; can be planted out early in mild climates

Thanks to its sturdy stems and compact growth, 'Ratio' produces a consistent harvest of large, flavourful beans.

Location and care

Vicia faba 'Ratio' grows best in a sunny to lightly shaded location with well-drained, fertile soil. The plant is low-maintenance but benefits from regular watering during dry spells. For high yields, supporting it with stakes or netting can be helpful to prevent stem breakage.

Care tips:

• Sow in early spring or autumn in mild climates.

• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil for optimal growth.

• Keep the soil slightly moist; avoid waterlogging.

• Fertilize moderately with compost or organic fertilizer for a healthy harvest.

• If necessary, support the plants with stakes to prevent breakage.

Harvest and use

The pods of 'Ratio' can be harvested as soon as they are fully ripe and juicy. The large, tender beans are suitable for fresh consumption, cooking, steaming, freezing, or using in salads, stews, and other dishes. Their full flavor and firm texture make these broad beans highly sought after by home cooks and fresh vegetable lovers.

Ecological value

Vicia faba is a member of the legume family (Fabaceae) and has the unique ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, increasing soil fertility and benefiting other crops. Moreover, the flowers attract pollinators such as bees and bumblebees, promoting biodiversity in the vegetable garden.

Why choose Vicia faba 'Ratio'?

'Ratio' offers a perfect combination of yield, flavor, and ecological benefits. Its large, tender beans, reliable harvest, long harvest period, and ease of cultivation make this broad bean an excellent choice for any gardener. Whether eating fresh, cooking, or freezing, Vicia faba 'Ratio' delivers a tasty and nutritious harvest and contributes to a healthy, fertile garden.