Organic French Bean Seeds 'Faraday'

‘Faraday’ beans are quick to establish and grow best when sown directly into warm soil.

Seeds can be sown from April under protection, or from May outdoors, once the risk of frost has passed. Sow two seeds together, planting them around 5cm deep and spacing planting positions approximately 20cm apart.

Once seedlings emerge, thin to the strongest plant at each position. Choose a sunny, sheltered site with well-prepared soil, and avoid disturbing roots once plants are established.

Beans prefer consistent moisture, particularly as they begin to flower and set pods.

Beans can be harvested once pods reach a good usable size and are still tender. Picking regularly encourages plants to continue producing new pods over a longer period.

Harvest gently to avoid damaging plants, and continue picking through the season to maintain steady cropping. Beans are best used fresh, but can also be blanched and frozen for later use.

Pre-soaking: Bean seeds can benefit from a gentle pre-soak before sowing. Soak seeds in a diluted seaweed fertilizer solution for around 12-24 hours. This can help support early root development and encourage better rates of germination. 

Seed compost / soil preparation: Before sowing, soil can be lightly improved with a small amount of frass soil improver, mixed evenly through the top layer. This supports early root development without encouraging excessive leafy growth.

During the growing season: As plants move into active growth and begin flowering, light, regular feeding can help maintain balance. Liquid seaweed fertilizer can be applied every couple of weeks, watered into the soil during periods of steady growth.

Frass can be applied as a light surface dressing during the growing season and watered in to support soil structure and longer-term soil health.

Young bean plants can be sensitive to cold, so early sowings should be protected from frost and strong winds.

Slugs may occasionally affect seedlings. Keeping growing areas tidy and ensuring good airflow around plants helps support healthy development as plants establish.

Phaseolus vulgaris

French beans belong to the species Phaseolus vulgaris, a group that includes both climbing and dwarf bean varieties. They are grown primarily for their tender, immature pods, harvested before the seeds inside fully develop.

Dwarf French beans, such as ‘Faraday’, form compact plants that do not require support, making them suitable for beds, raised beds and larger containers. Their relatively short growing cycle allows for consistent harvesting over several weeks.

French beans have been cultivated for centuries and remain a staple of kitchen gardens, valued for their productivity, ease of use and versatility in the kitchen.