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Vegetable
French Bean

French Beans in Barnhill

Phaseolus vulgaris

Tender annual bean grown for fresh pods in the UK. Sow once the soil has warmed, protect from cold winds and late frost, and keep plants well watered through flowering and pod set for the best crop.

Height180cm
SunlightFull Sun
WaterModerate Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing French Bean

Planting Calendar

Seed IndoorLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FertiliseNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
HarvestNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ObservationLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

  1. Sow Seeds Indoors

    23 Mar – 30 Mar

    Sow seeds in deep pots or root trainers around 23rd March - 30th March, about deep. Keep them warm and only move them on once the roots have filled the pot.

  2. Set Up Supports

    20 Apr – 27 Apr

    Put supports in place before planting out, from 20th April. Strong canes, a wigwam or mesh netting work well, and it is easier to do this before the plants are in the ground.

  3. Harden Off Seedlings

    13 Apr – 23 Apr

    Acclimatise plants outside over about 11 days from 13th April. Start in light shade and bring them in at night if frost is still possible, then plant out once they are used to cooler conditions.

  4. Plant Out

    27 Apr – 11 May

    Plant into warm, well-drained soil from 27th April to 11th May. Water in thoroughly straight after planting, then keep fleece or cloches ready if cold weather returns.

  5. Water And Feed

    15 Jun – 21 Oct
    every 2 weeks

    From 15th June onwards, water deeply when the plants start flowering and pods are swelling. Keep the soil evenly moist, and give a high-potash feed every 14 days to support cropping.

  6. Pick Pods

    29 Jun – 21 Oct
    every 3 days

    Start harvesting from 29th June and keep picking until 21st October. Pick pods young and often, because regular picking stops them going stringy and keeps the plants producing.

Companion Plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with French Bean.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested Varieties

Popular varieties of French Bean to consider

Blue Lake

A reliable climbing bean with long, straight pods and good flavour. Commonly grown by UK home gardeners for a steady summer crop.

Cobra

A popular climbing French bean with slim pods and strong vigour. Suitable for a sunny outdoor run or a greenhouse edge.

Carminat

A climbing bean with purple pods that show up well at picking time. The pods turn green when cooked.

Also in nearby towns

See how French Bean timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.