Bean, Climbing Epicure

(Phaseolus vulgaris)

An old favourite producing an almost stringless bean that tastes beautiful. A good cropping variety, premium in flavour and excellent for the home gardener. Halfhardy annual.

When to plant: Spring and Summer.
How to grow: Sow 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 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.
Harvest: 10-12 weeks.