Aguadulce Supersimonia is a high‑performing broad bean (Vicia faba) with strong, upright plants around 110–120 cm tall, noted for their hardiness and good cold tolerance. Plants produce uniform green pods that are very long and slightly sabre‑shaped, typically 30–32 cm, holding 8–9 big, well‑filled beans with excellent eating quality.
The beans are large, fleshy and sweet, ideal for eating fresh, freezing or using in traditional dishes like stews, purées and salads. This variety is widely grown by hobby and professional growers for its combination of yield, flavour and robustness in cool, temperate climates.
Growing information
🌱 Sowing
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In mild climates and coastal areas, sow outdoors from autumn to early winter (often October–December) for an early crop.
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In colder sites or where winter is harsher, sow from late winter to spring (roughly February–April) once soil is workable; in Ireland this gives reliable crops from late spring into summer.
☀️ Light
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Prefers full sun but will tolerate light partial shade, especially in sheltered gardens.
💧 Watering
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Water well after sowing and keep soil evenly moist during flowering and pod filling, avoiding extremes of drought or waterlogging.
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Good drainage and organic matter help plants root deeply and stay productive.
🌡️ Germination
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Broad beans germinate in cool soil; seeds usually sprout in 10–21 days depending on temperature and soil moisture.
📏 Spacing & support
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Sow seeds about 5 cm deep, spacing 15–20 cm between plants in rows 40–60 cm apart.
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Plants are sturdy but benefit from simple support (strings, stakes) in windy sites to keep tall stems and long pods upright.
Bullet Technical Data
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🌱 Sowing depth: approx. 5 cm
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📅 Sow (Ireland): October–December in mild/sheltered gardens for early crops; February–April in most areas for late spring/summer harvests
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☀️ Light: full sun or light partial shade
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🌡️ Germination: about 10–21 days in cool, moist soil
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📏 Height: plants around 110–120 cm
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🪴 Spacing: 15–20 cm between plants; 40–60 cm between rows
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⏳ Harvest: roughly 90–100 days from sowing; pods 30–32 cm with 8–9 beans each
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🔢 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.
