French beans
Easy to grow and highly productive, French beans (also known as green beans or common beans) come in climbing ('pole') or bushy ('dwarf') varieties. Deliciously crisp pods are perfect steamed, stir-fried, or in salads.
French beans seeds
£2.29 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
Late April – July, directly into warm soil. Dwarf varieties can be started indoors for an earlier crop.
Plant out
Dwarf varieties can be transplanted if started indoors. Climbing varieties need support from planting.
Harvest
July – October, 8-12 weeks from sowing.
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6–8 hours a day.
Water
Keep consistently moist, especially when flowering and setting pods. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil, pH 6.0–7.0. Enrich with compost.
Spacing
Dwarf: 15cm between plants, 45cm between rows. Climbing: 15-20cm between plants, 60cm between rows for supports.
Containers
Dwarf varieties are excellent in pots (minimum 25cm diameter). Climbing varieties need large containers (40cm+) and sturdy support.
Indoors
Dwarf varieties can be sown in modules 3-4 weeks before the last frost date, then hardened off and planted out.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Generally not required if soil is fertile. Avoid high nitrogen feeds.
Pruning
Pinch out growing tips of climbing varieties once they reach the top of their support to encourage side shoots and more pods.
Harvesting
Pick regularly when pods are young, tender, and snap cleanly. Over-mature pods become tough. Harvest every 2-3 days.
Storage
Store in the fridge for up to a week. Blanch and freeze for longer storage.
Good companions: Carrots, Cabbage, Corn, Radishes, Marigolds