Sowing

• A perennial vegetable that can be grown directly in raised beds or well-draining containers (min 16’ dia and 8-10’ deep).
• The ideal growing medium for broad beans is 2 part garden soil & 1 part any organic manure or 1 part garden soil, 1 part coco peat & 1 part Vermicompost.
• Sow 2 seeds per pot or at a 2x2 ft spacing in a raised bed and press them inside the soil bed with your fingers, approximately an inch deep
• Water the soil immediately with a light shower using a watering can or misting spray and take cares not to expose the seeds.
• The tray can be covered with a cardboard to promote faster germination.

Caring

• The broad beans will germinate in the first 6-8 days Broad bean seeds will germinate within the first 6-8 days.
• Tiny seedlings will be visible at this point.
• Second week onwards this seedlings will start growing into a small plant.
• Cut off the smaller. lagging seedlings with a pair of scissors & keep only one seedling per hole.
• Broad beans plant needs full sunlight. Make your raised beds in a sunny spot and keep your containers under open sunlight to ensure that your plant receives sufficient sunlight.
• Water your potted broad beans plant every alternate day in winter & every day in summer. Water at the soil near the plant.
• Use a watering can to ensure even shower. You can also use drip irrigation system to water your raised beds.
• Add good quality organic manure in the soil with 2:1 ratio before sowing seeds. Organic fertilizer can be well rotten cow dung manure, farmyard manure, compost or vermicompost.
• Check for early signs of any insect/fungal/ any other infections. If you notice any such symptoms, spray your plant with appropriate medicines.
• Broad beans is a bushy Vine & needs plenty of space to grow. Develop a strong trellis support up to height of 5-6 ft, by using locally available material like pipes, bamboo, ropes, wires etc. for your Surati Papdi plant.
• When your broad bean plant is more than 45 days old, provide one tablespoon of 15:15:15 (NPK) fertilizer per plant or mix handful of Vermicompost in the soil around each plant.
• In the second month your surti papdi last will start flowering. You can start harvesting fresh Surti Papdi pods after 45-50 on seed sowing. Harvesting season can continue for very long time as long as plant survives.

Common Problems

Why is my broad beans not flowering?
A failure to bloom could be an indication of a nitrogen deficiency. When your broad bean plant is more than 45 days old, provide one tablespoon of 15:15:15 (NPK) fertilizer per plant or mix handful of Vermicompost in the soil around each plant.
Why are my broad bean seeds not germinating?
Improper growing conditions like over watering/ under watering, not enough sunlight or sowing in the seeds too deep can all affect the germination process of your broad bean seeds. Make sure you are following the sowing and growing instructions correctly to ensure successful germination.
Why are my broad bean leaves turning black?
A broad bean rust is one of the most common fungal diseases that can infect your plant. This can turn the leaves black. If you notice any such symptoms, spray your plant with appropriate medicines.