Unwins Dwarf French Bean Caledonia Seeds

Sow individually in clean pots or modules of compost, 5cm deep. Water well. Keep on a warm windowsill or in a propagator, maintaining a minimum temperature of 12°C.

Slowly acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out in May-June when the risk of frost has passed, 15-20cm apart in full sun, in soil with added organic matter. Keep soil moist at all times.

Sow direct into the required harvest location, 5cm deep, 15-20cm apart. Allow 30cm between rows. Keep soil moist at all times. If planting in containers, choose one at least 30cm in diameter.

Each sowing of dwarf beans has a fairly short harvest period; sowing successive batches will give a longer crop. Use thin sticks to keep plants upright and pods off the soil. Pick regularly, once they are about 10cm long and snap easily. Dwarf beans freeze well; simply blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two then drain, allow to cool and bag them for the freezer.