The fava bean is able to adapt to diverse climactic conditions, however it favors more temperate climates.  It cannot be cultivated in times of excessive draught and does not fare well in temperatures below 0°C.  For germination to occur temperatures of 5-6°C are necessary. Blossoming requires 8-10°C and 15-20°C for ripening.  The particular sweet taste and painstaking harvest of the “sfardella” fava bean makes it a rather rare type of crop. This crop produces a great variety of plants with on average a late maturity cycle as well as tall strong plants which produce long pods (35/40 cms) each containing 8 beans.  The form of the bud is slightly curved in the shape of an S, while each section contains a good abundance which facilitates the harvest as well as every successive care and handling of the product. SOWING: It is best to plant in October/November in South-Central Region and in February/March in the Northern parts. Plant the seed (minimum 2 per every hole) 3-5 cm below the ground and at a distance of 60-80cm between rows and centimeters.  About 15-20 cms between every hole in each row.  For every hectare (2.47 acres) about 120 to 150 kilograms of seeds are required.  When the stalk reaches 15-20 cms it benfits from a limited amount of weeding and increased soil output.  The gradual harvest of the pods is done manually when the seed has reached its half-thickness, with frequency much higher as the spring season approaches.