Description
Flat, stringless pods from plants which do best in a warm spot sheltered from winds.
The flowers set readily to give a heavy crop of delicious pods easy for slicing.
Growing Calendar
How to Guide
Sowing Indoors
Sow individual seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep in 8cm (3in) pots of seed and potting 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 form 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.
Sowing Outdoors
Sow two seeds close together at intervals of 20cm (8in). French bean seed is sensitive to cold, wet soils and will not germinate in unfavourable conditions.
We therefore recommend you do not sow seed outdoors before May. Climbing beans require support and it is best to have this in place before you sow.
Aftercare
Climbing beans require plenty of water to produce a good crop. Water generously in dry spells. When plants are in full flower, an occasional mid-day spraying with a fine hose encourages flower set and bean production.
Climbing beans are generally disease and trouble free. They thrive in a sunny position which is not exposed to cold winds.