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Heritage Seed Library - Dwarf French Bean (‘Early Warwick’) Variety Information Known in England before 1890, this bean is early and reliable. Compact plants produce lilac flowers followed by green pods, which are stringless if eaten young. Excellent as a dried bean, when the beans are attractive with pink-maroon mottles. Growing instructions French Beans Phaseolus vulgaris Sowing indoors For an early crop, or where summers are cool, start the seeds off with warmth in individual pots or in seed trays. Harden off young plants before planting out at about 20 or 25 cm between plants. The same distance is needed between seeds when direct sowing. Sowing outside These beans will need a warm soil, in a site that is sunny and sheltered. Sow direct at a depth of 5 cm from late April with protection or sow later in the season after all danger of frost has passed. It is usually better to sow late into a warm soil and allow the plants to grow on quickly and catch up. For dwarf varieties staggered rows ensure a useful density of plants. Research has shown that the amount of beans produced is increased when sown close, but beware of an increase in the risk of disease. Good mulching and plenty of organic matter in the soil will help, too. Looking after your beans as they grow Keep your beans well watered as the pods develop. Harvesting Pick fresh beans as soon as they are large enough, check plants at least every other day. They can be harvested until the first frost. Seed saving French beans seldom cross-pollinate, and you can save seed from several varieties, providing there is at least 3m between them. Glossary Harden off: Young plants must be acclimatised gradually to cooler and less humid conditions. The best place to do this is in a cold frame or cover plants with a cloche and remove it gradually over a number of days. Mulching: To provide loose covering for exposed soils, such as grass, straw, bark, or wood fibers, to help control erosion and protect exposed soil.

Seeds of Dwarf French Bean 'Early Warwick' Dwarf French Bean 'Early Warwick' growing

This document was produced with support from the Food for Life Partnership

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