Aguadulce Supersimonia is a broad bean with extra-long pods containing up to 8 or 9 beans each. Strong upright plants around 110 to 120cm tall with good cold tolerance. One of the most productive broad bean varieties available.
Sow in autumn for an early crop, or in spring for a summer harvest. Broad beans are one of the easiest and most reliable crops for Irish gardens. The young beans are sweet enough to eat raw with a piece of pecorino and some olive oil.
🌱 Sowing depth: approx. 5 cm
📅 Sow (Ireland): October–December in mild/sheltered gardens for early crops; February–April in most areas for late spring/summer harvests
☀️ Light: full sun or light partial shade
🌡️ Germination: about 10–21 days in cool, moist soil
📏 Height: plants around 110–120 cm
🪴 Spacing: 15–20 cm between plants; 40–60 cm between rows
⏳ Harvest: roughly 90–100 days from sowing; pods 30–32 cm with 8–9 beans each
🔢 Seeds: typical retail pack ~80–100 seeds (100 g class), larger trade packs also available
When to sow
October to November for an early spring harvest, or February to March for a summer harvest. Broad beans are one of the hardiest vegetables you can grow. They handle Irish winters better than almost anything else.
How to grow
Sow 5cm deep, 20cm apart. They do not need staking until they reach 60cm or so. Pinch out the growing tip when the first pods appear. This reduces blackfly and directs energy into the beans.
Recipe idea
Broad bean and pecorino bruschetta. Shell and blanch the beans for two minutes, slip off the grey skins. Smash roughly with a fork, add a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of olive oil and shavings of pecorino. Pile onto toasted bread. This is a standard Roman antipasto.
