Climbing French Beans

I started with Seed Savers Exchange Climbing French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds. I planted them directly into the garden in full sun on August 22, 2009 for a fall crop. In the 1930's, Climbing French Beans were reportedly the most widely grown French bean in England, according to The Beans of New York. These beans produce 4 -7" inch stringless pods with lilac flowers and are great for eating raw. There seeds are shiny and dark purple. Climbing varieties of beans will produce pods all summer while dwarf compact bush beans tend to crop over a relatively short period of time.

Growing Tips: French Beans prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Area should be sheltered since beans can be vulnerable to chilly winds. Climbing beans will need support to grow, a trellis often works perfectly. Do not water young plants unless dry or the plant will focus on growing leaves, not peas. Once flowers develop, start watering on a regular basis. Water carefully at the roots, taking care not to splash the foliage.

Starting from Seed: Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil and air temperatures have warmed (around early May). Also can be grown in late summer for a fall harvest. Seeds should be planted in an area where they have a spade and a half's depth to root since climbing beans are deep rooters. Plant seeds 1" deep and 2" apart in rows 36 - 48" apart.

Natural Pest Control: Aphids, both black and green can form colonies on growing shoots. If you are growing organic, rub off early colonies as soon as you spot them. Growing asters, marigolds and sedums near your beans will attract friendly pest predators that eat aphids.

Harvesting: French beans mature in 65 - 75 days and can be harvested late into summer so long as the crop is kept well watered. French beans suffer if they become too thirsty. Pick young and pick often. Young French bean pods are far tastier than mature pods. If you can see bean shapes bulging along the pods, the beans are past their best.