Broad Bean White Windsor is a classic and highly valued heirloom variety known for its large, white, flavourful beans and reliable yield. This traditional broad bean produces sturdy plants with many long pods filled with large, creamy white to light green beans. White Windsor is popular among vegetable gardeners because of its excellent flavour, good productivity, and versatile culinary uses. The plants grow vigorously but remain relatively compact compared with many other broad bean varieties. The height is usually around 90–120 cm, depending on growing conditions and care. Due to their sturdy growth, the plants generally require little support. However, in windy locations it can be beneficial to lightly earth up the plants or provide some low support. White Windsor grows best in a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. The long, firm pods contain several large beans that can be harvested both young and when fully developed. Young broad beans have a delicate flavour and tender texture. When harvested later, the beans develop their characteristic full, creamy flavour. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing new pods and extends the harvest period.
Culinarily, Broad Bean White Windsor is highly appreciated for its full, creamy flavour and soft texture. The large white beans have a slightly nutty aroma and are suitable for both traditional dishes and modern culinary creations. Young broad beans can simply be boiled and served with butter, a little salt, and fresh herbs. For an even more refined flavour and smoother texture, the beans can be double-podded after cooking by removing the outer skin. White Windsor is extremely versatile in the kitchen. The beans can be boiled with butter, pepper, and fresh herbs, but they are also delicious when gently stewed with ingredients such as onion, bacon, or cream. They are excellent in soups, stews, salads, pasta dishes, and risottos. The beans can also be processed into a creamy purée or spread. Combined with Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, tomato, and garlic, they create a wonderfully flavourful dish. White Windsor is also very suitable as a dried bean. After soaking and cooking, the beans develop a soft, creamy texture and are ideal for hearty winter dishes, soups, and nutritious stews. The flavour of White Windsor combines beautifully with many different ingredients. The beans pair particularly well with meat dishes containing bacon, pancetta, ham, chicken, lamb, and various types of sausage. They also combine wonderfully with fish such as salmon and cod, where their delicate flavour is enhanced. Herbs and seasonings that complement this bean include butter, cream, garlic, mint, parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, savoury, black pepper, lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. A classic and delicious combination is White Windsor broad beans with bacon, onion, and a little butter, which perfectly highlights the creamy texture and full flavour of the beans. White Windsor also combines well with other vegetables. The beans pair excellently with potatoes, carrots, leeks, onions, tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, peppers, courgettes, and mushrooms. This makes this versatile broad bean suitable for both simple everyday meals and more elaborate dishes. Non hardy annual. Height: 90 - 120 cm.
Indoor sowing: January - February
Outdoor sowing: end of February - end of March
Germination: 3 - 8 weeks (depends on temperature)
Germination temp.: 5 - 20 °C
Sowing depth: 5 - 7 cm
Planting distance: 15 - 20 cm
Planting distance between rows: 40 - 60 cm
Plant position: sunny and sheltered
Harvest period: May - July
Broad beans tolerate cold temperatures well and can therefore be sown early in the season. For an extra early harvest, the beans can be started indoors from January onwards. The seeds have a relatively long germination period because broad beans germinate slowly and require cooler temperatures for proper development. For an early harvest, sow broad beans indoors from January to February. Use separate pots filled with moist, airy potting soil. Sow one seed per pot and place the seed in the centre of the pot. Cover the seeds with a layer of approximately 5 - 7 cm of sowing compost, as broad beans are dark germinators and need darkness during germination. Do not place the pots in a warm location. Broad beans actually require a cool germination period to develop properly. The ideal germination temperature is between 5 and 20 °C. Depending on the temperature, germination usually takes 3 to 8 weeks. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid making it too wet. Once the young plants are strong enough and weather conditions allow, they can be planted outdoors from March onwards. Choose a sunny, sheltered location. Tall broad bean varieties may require support, so place stakes or other supports in good time. Young plants can be protected with netting to prevent damage from birds and other pests.
Direct sowing outdoors can be done from late February to late March. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with fertile, well-fertilised, well-drained soil. Broad beans perform best when sown early and benefit from the cooler conditions of spring. Do not sow later than the end of March, as the plants require cool temperatures for healthy growth and good pod formation. Sow the beans 5 - 7 cm deep. It is preferable to sow in double rows with approximately 23 cm between the rows. Leave 40 - 60 cm of space between each double row so the plants receive enough light, air circulation, and growing space. The final plant spacing should be approximately 15 - 20 cm. Keep the soil around the plants free from weeds so that the broad beans have sufficient nutrients and space to develop. As the plants grow larger, they may be affected by wind or the weight of the pods and can fall over. Support the plants if necessary with bamboo canes, string, or other suitable materials. This is especially important in exposed or windy locations. Once the first flowers appear and the plant has around four groups of flowers, or when the first small pods become visible, you can remove the growing tips of the plants. This prevents the plant from using unnecessary energy on leaf growth and encourages it to focus its energy on pod development. Removing the tops also helps reduce problems with aphids. During dry periods, it is important to water regularly, especially when the pods begin to develop. Even soil moisture ensures better yields and well-developed beans. However, avoid keeping the soil wet for long periods. Protect the plants with netting if necessary against birds and other pests, especially while the seeds are developing. The harvest period of White Windsor broad beans usually runs from May to July, depending on sowing time and weather conditions. The beans can be harvested once the pods are well filled and the seeds are clearly visible. A good guideline is to harvest when the pods are firm and full, but still fresh and green. For an especially tender flavour, young pods can be harvested early. It is also possible to eat the pods whole. Harvest them when they are approximately finger-thick and still young and tender. Broad beans are very suitable for freezing. Briefly blanch the shelled beans before freezing. This helps preserve their flavour, colour, and nutritional value, allowing you to enjoy your own harvest outside the growing season.
