Dwarf Bean : Borlotto

Vegetable

• Crops in : 70 days (120 days as haricots)
• Ideal for : Children

Description

An attractive and versatile bean that can be used as a green bean when young and tender, or dried for haricot beans.

The mature, red mottled, flat pods contain large beans ideal for adding to a variety of Italian dishes and minestrone soup.

Prefers rich moist soil in an open sunny situation.

Sowing Instructions

Best sown direct after all danger of frost is passed and the soil has warmed. Sow seeds direct outdoors in warm soil, germination can be erratic in cold, wet soils. Sow 2 or 3 seeds 5cm (2in) deep, allowing 20cm (8in) between each group ol seeds, and 45cm (18in) between rows. Use cloches or row cover to aid establishment of earliest sowings.

Growing Instructions

No need to thin out.

Aftercare

Hoe regularly and keep well watered and mulched during dry periods. Harvest regularly while young for highest yields and to extend the season.

Caution

Please note that beans must be cooked before eating to avoid discomfort.