Recommended Species

Although bell bean is a true vetch, it differs greatly from other vetches with its strong upright growth. It also has a relatively shallow, thick taproot, which may be useful for opening up heavy soils. Bell bean is often used in mixes with vetches, peas, or cereals. Because of its height and because it does not tolerate close mowing, it is often omitted from mixes in frost-prone areas. Bell bean is frequently infested by the bean aphid (Aphis fabae), which seldom affects its use as a cover crop. The aphid, which does not attack dried plums, and the presence of extrafloral nectaries, may attract beneficial insects into orchards. Bell Bean (Vicia faba L.) 100-150 lb/seeded acre