About
An annual climbing borlotti bean with green leaves. White flowers develop into fat pods which are mottled green ripening to dark pink. and the seed-beans inside are mottled yellow-brown, cream and dark red. The pods can be eaten whole when young, or left to mature the seed-beans inside.
About the genus
Phaseolus are annual or perennial legumes, usually climbing or trailing in form, and with trifoliate leaves. Grown as crop plants for their edible seeds, including runner, French and lima beans, as well as for animal feed, green manures and as ornamentals
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Climber Wall Shrub, Fruit Edible
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
ToxicityRaw pods/beans harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs): Raw pods/beans harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationGrow up support in any fertile, moisture-retentive soil in good light. For more advice see beans for drying and French bean cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails, and to blackfly (black aphid)
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to runner and french bean rust