Vegetable

• Crops in : June to October

Description

A ‘Kenyan type’ of compact bush habit to 50cm, Fagiola Nani Friverde produces an abundance of slender, round, dark green pods up to 11cm in length. Pick regularly for heaviest crops. Stands hot weather well. Resistant to bean mosaic and anthracnose.

Sowing Instructions

These beans require a minimum soil temperature of 20C, so seed sowing must be delayed until these conditions prevail, usually from May in succession to August. Earlier sowings can be made under glass during March and April for earliest crops. Prepare the soil prior to sowing to create a level, weed free bed. Plant seed in rows 50cm apart with seed stations every 25cm in the rows. Using a dibber place 3 to 4 seeds at each station 3 to 5cm deep. Cover seeds with soil and firm.

Growing Instructions

Water regularly after sowing and throughout the cropping period. No staking is required. Support for the plants can be achieved by pulling soil from between the rows towards the base of the plants.

Aftercare

Continually pick the beans before they become too large and coarse. Interplanting between rows of quick maturing vegetables such as radish or lettuce may be carried out or mulching between the rows with straw to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Kitchen Notes

Serving suggestion - Green Bean salad. Wash, top and tail beans and boil till tender. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic and chopped basil in a bowl. Add the beans and halved cherry tomatoes. Serve with garlic ciabatta.

Caution

Please note that beans must be cooked before eating to avoid discomfort.