An old favourite with tasty and stringless beans when picked young. Heavy crops over a long period and sets well in cooler climates. Premium in flavour and excellent for the home gardener. Also called Kentucky Wonder Brown. Plant Height: 1.8-2m

How to Sow Seeds

Growing notes: Sow vegetable seeds 25mm (1in) deep in dark, damp soil - avoid watering for a day or two afterwards. Sow 10-15cm (4-6in) apart, allowing 50-60cm (20-24in) between rows. Ensure the danger of frosts has passed and protect climbing bean plants from winds. Plant in 1-3m (3-10ft) rows and remove weeds regularly.

Keep the roots cool - a mulch of garden compost will help considerably. Water well in dry weather.

If grown as pole beans, support with canes, netting or bean frames. Grown as ground beans they don't require any support, but their size should be contained regularly by pinching out growing tips when shoots are 20-30cm (9-12in) long.

Additional fertilising is not required as legumes produce their own nitrogen.

Beans are best picked when young before they become lumpy.

Plant Characteristics

Suitable for small spaces: Yes
Suitable for pots / containers: Yes