Unwins Organic Climbing French Bean Cobra Seeds

Sow individual seeds 2.5cm deep in 8cm pots of seed and potting compost. Keep the pots in a frost free greenhouse. Ensure the compost remains moist at all times, but not saturated. Gradually accustom the young plants to outside conditions for 2–3 weeks before planting them out to their cropping positions from late May onwards, when the danger of frost has passed. Ensure supports are in place before planting out. Allow 20cm between plants in the row and 60cm between rows.

Sow two seeds close together at intervals of 20cm. French bean seed is sensitive to cold, wet soils so do not sow seed outdoors before May.

As these French beans climb, they will need support. A frame of canes and strong netting is ideal, or the beans can be grown up wigwams of sticks or canes, where they become a decorative feature in the garden. Ensure any structure is at least 180cm high. Plants will climb and twine naturally as they grow.

August – September. Pick the beans when they are young and tender. This encourages plants to produce for longer.

Climbing French beans freeze well. Simply slice, blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two, drain, allow to cool, then bag them for the freezer