Bean, Dwarf French, 'Amethyst'

Germination

Sow seeds early indoors from late April. Sow a single bean seed 40mm deep into a root trainer or 8cm pot filled with compost. Water well and place on a sunny windowsill, 12-25°C, to germinate. Germination 7-10 days. Seedlings will be ready to plant out after 21 days approx. Acclimatise prior to planting out. Can be sown directly from late May. Sow 2 seeds together 50mm deep, 25cm apart. If in rows allow 45cm between rows. Water well until germination occurs, then thin to strongest plant.

Growing

Very easy to grow. Prefer moist fertile soil, sheltered from strong winds. Can be trained using a cane wigwam if desired. Water deeply twice a week.

Cultivation

Pick beans when young and tender, 65 days from sowing. Pick regularly as this will encourage further pods. If pods are left to mature on the plant they can be dried and shelled as haricot beans.