Robust and vigorous performer.

Has outstanding natural health.

Produces plentiful clusters of pencil-podded, long green flavourful beans over many weeks.

Sowing Time

Indoors: April - May

Outdoors: May - June

Sowing Indoors

Sow individual seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep in 8cm (3in) pots of seed compost. Keep pots in a frost free greenhouse. Ensure the compost remains moist at all times, but not saturated. Gradually accustom the young plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting them out to their cropping positions from late May onwards, when the danger of frost has passed. Ensure supports are in place before planting out. Allow 20cm (8in) between plants in the row and 60cm (24in) between rows.

Sowing Outdoors

Sow seeds directly into harvested position, 20cm (8in) apart and 5cm (2in) deep. Keep soil moist at all times. French bean seeds are sensitive to cold, wet soils so do not sow seed outdoors before May.

Support

As these French beans climb, they will need support. A frame of canes and strong netting is ideal, or the beans can be grown in wigwams of sticks or canes, where they become a decotative feature in the garden. Ensure any structure is at least 180cm (6ft) high. Plants will climb and twine naturally as they grow.

Aftercare

Climbing beans require plenty of water to produce a good crop. Water generously in dry spells. When plants are full in flower, an occasional mid-day spraying with fine hose encourages flower and bean production. Climbing French beans are generally disease and trouble free.

Harvest

June - September. Pick the beans when they are young and tender. This encourages plants to remain productive for longer.

Freezing

Climbing French beans freeze well. Simply slice then blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two, drain, allow to cool then bag them for the freezer.