French Beans Phaseolus vulgaris

French beans are a must for the vegetable garden. They are simple to grow, delicious and very nutritious. Â

French beans are shorter, more tender and tubular than runner beans. French beans are much easier to prepare in the kitchen, as they only have to be topped and tailed, not sliced like runner beans.

French beans grow very quickly, taking about 12 weeks to come to harvest. Like runner beans they must be picked regularly to keep the flowers coming.

Dwarf french beans are bushy, but usually need a simple support of twigs or strings, to keep them upright.

Climbing French beans need wigwams or stakes similar to runner beans.

Sunny, sheltered sites are best for french beans. The seeds grow best in a warm situation and pollination is hampered by cold winds.