Vita Sementi Italian Seeds : Bean : Bush Bean : Fagioli Nani Splendido (Borlotto Bean)

Vegetable

• Crops in : August to October

Description

Typical Borlotto. The 13-14cm, quite broad pods of Fagioli Nani Splendido are attractive red splashed cream, bulging with 6-7 cream with red streaked seeds. Pods can be harvested immature but it is usually grown for the full sized seeds for harvesting in the autumn.

Sowing Instructions

These beans require a minimum soil temperature of 20C, so seed sowing must be delayed until these conditions prevail, usually from May in succession to August. Earlier sowings can be made under glass during March and April for earliest crops. Prepare the soil prior to sowing to create a level, weed free bed. Plant seed in rows 50cm apart with seed stations every 25cm in the rows. Using a dibber place 3 to 4 seeds at each station 3 to 5cm deep. Cover seeds with soil and firm.

Growing Instructions

Water regularly after sowing and throughout the cropping period. No staking is required. Support for the plants can be achieved by pulling soil from between the rows towards the base of the plants.

Aftercare

Continually pick the beans before they become too large and coarse. Interplanting between rows of quick maturing vegetables such as radish or lettuce may be carried out or mulching between the rows with straw to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Kitchen Notes

Serving suggestion - Minestrone with borlotti. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, potato, and butternut squash in olive oil. Add tomatoes, borlotti beans, add water, bring to boil, simmer. Sprinkle with lots of flat leaved parsley and parmigiano. Serve with toasted Italian bread.

Caution

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