Troubleshooting
Broad Bean problems — and how to fix them
Broad Bean (Vicia faba 'Aquadulce Claudia') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Chocolate spot
Brown blotches on leaves and stems in damp, crowded conditions; improve spacing and airflow and avoid soft, over-fed growth.
Blackfly infestation
Aphids cluster on the soft growing tips in early summer; pinch out the tops once the lower pods set to remove them.
Rust
Orange-brown pustules on leaves late in the season; usually appears as the crop finishes and rarely needs action beyond removing debris.
Wind-rock and lodging
Tall rows topple in exposure; support with canes and string around the block, especially on autumn-sown plants.
Prevent broad bean problems before they start
Most broad bean issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for broad bean in general rather than its problems? Read the full broad bean care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Broad Bean problems — FAQ
Why is my broad bean chocolate spot?
Brown blotches on leaves and stems in damp, crowded conditions; improve spacing and airflow and avoid soft, over-fed growth.
Why is my broad bean blackfly infestation?
Aphids cluster on the soft growing tips in early summer; pinch out the tops once the lower pods set to remove them.
Why is my broad bean rust?
Orange-brown pustules on leaves late in the season; usually appears as the crop finishes and rarely needs action beyond removing debris.
Why is my broad bean wind-rock and lodging?
Tall rows topple in exposure; support with canes and string around the block, especially on autumn-sown plants.