Bean, Broad, 'Giant Exhibition Longpod'

Germination

Direct sow under cloches in February or without protection from March. Can also be sown under cloches in the autumn for early crops the following year. Prepare soil with well rotted manure or compost. Sow in double rows set 25cm apart and allowing 60cm between each double row or single rows 45cm apart. Sow beans 5cm deep and 25cm apart. Water well. Germination takes 10-14 days.

Growing

Support plants with canes and string, especially in windy gardens. Keep well watered, particularly as flowers begin to set. Hoe between rows regularly. Pinch out the growing tips after the first flowers have set to deter blackfly and to encourage further pods to set.

Cultivation

Harvest pods once beans have begun to visibly swell inside. Harvest plant in stages, starting with the lowest pods first. Small beans are sweeter and more tender than large ones. Pods can be picked when immature to be cooked and eaten whole.