How to Grow French Beans: Tips, Facts, and Information

French beans, also known as haricot verts or green beans, are a delicious and versatile crop that can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or frozen. They are easy to grow and come in two main types: bush beans, which are compact and grow without support, and climbing beans, which require a trellis or support system. French beans thrive in warm weather, are highly productive, and can be grown in a variety of garden spaces, including containers. Here’s your guide to the top 20 French bean varieties, along with essential growing tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 French Bean Varieties to Grow

1. Ferrari

Tips: Ferrari beans grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring, and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Facts: This compact bush variety produces straight, slender pods with a sweet, tender flavor, perfect for steaming or sautéing.

2. Blue Lake 274

Tips: Plant Blue Lake 274 in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Provide support if growing the climbing variety and water consistently.
Facts: This popular variety produces long, round, and stringless pods with a sweet flavor, ideal for fresh eating or freezing.

3. Cobra

Tips: Cobra French beans grow well in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Provide a trellis or support for the climbing vines.
Facts: Cobra is a climbing variety that produces long, tender pods with a smooth texture. It’s perfect for fresh eating, steaming, or stir-fries.

4. Purple Queen

Tips: Plant Purple Queen beans in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly and ensure the plants have space to spread.
Facts: This stunning purple-podded variety turns green when cooked. The pods are tender and sweet, perfect for adding color to dishes.

5. Tendergreen

Tips: Tendergreen beans prefer full sun and rich, moist soil. Plant in late spring, and water consistently.
Facts: This bush variety is stringless and produces round, straight pods with a tender texture and mild flavor, ideal for fresh eating or freezing.

6. Hunter

Tips: Hunter French beans grow best in full sun and fertile soil. Plant in late spring and provide support for climbing vines.
Facts: Hunter produces long, stringless pods with a sweet, crisp texture, perfect for fresh eating or freezing.

7. Maxibel

Tips: Maxibel beans grow best in full sun and rich soil. Plant seeds in late spring and water regularly for a bountiful harvest.
Facts: This bush variety is known for its long, straight pods that are tender and stringless. It’s perfect for steaming, stir-fries, or fresh eating.

8. Delinel

Tips: Delinel beans thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds after the last frost and water consistently.
Facts: Delinel is a bush variety that produces slim, stringless pods with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

9. Romano

Tips: Plant Romano beans in full sun and fertile soil. Provide support for climbing varieties and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Facts: Romano beans are a flat-podded variety with a meaty texture and rich flavor, perfect for grilling, roasting, or stewing.

10. Royalty Purple Pod

Tips: Royalty Purple Pod beans grow well in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring and water consistently.
Facts: This eye-catching bush variety produces purple pods that turn green when cooked. The beans are tender and sweet, ideal for adding color to salads and dishes.

11. Rocquencourt

Tips: Rocquencourt beans thrive in full sun and rich soil. Plant seeds in late spring and water consistently for best results.
Facts: This French heirloom variety produces yellow, waxy pods with a sweet flavor. It’s perfect for steaming, sautéing, or freezing.

12. Kentucky Wonder

Tips: Kentucky Wonder beans prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in late spring and provide support for the climbing vines.
Facts: Known for its heavy yields, Kentucky Wonder produces long, flat pods with a sweet, tender flavor, making it perfect for fresh eating or freezing.

13. Golden Teepee

Tips: Plant Golden Teepee beans in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.
Facts: This bush variety produces yellow, stringless pods with a sweet flavor. The pods are easy to spot among the foliage, making harvesting a breeze.

14. Marvel of Venice

Tips: Marvel of Venice beans grow best in full sun and rich soil. Provide support for the climbing vines and water consistently.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces flat, pale yellow pods with a buttery texture and mild flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating or adding to stews and casseroles.

15. Beurre de Rocquencourt

Tips: Beurre de Rocquencourt beans thrive in full sun and fertile soil. Plant in late spring and water consistently.
Facts: This yellow-podded variety is prized for its tender, sweet flavor and crisp texture, ideal for fresh eating, cooking, or freezing.

16. Borlotto di Vigevano

Tips: Borlotto beans grow well in full sun and well-drained soil. Provide support for climbing varieties and water regularly.
Facts: This Italian heirloom produces streaked red-and-white pods filled with flavorful beans. It’s perfect for fresh use or drying for soups and stews.

17. Montano

Tips: Montano beans thrive in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant seeds after the last frost and water regularly.
Facts: Known for its straight, stringless pods, Montano is a bush variety with a sweet, tender flavor, perfect for fresh eating, steaming, or freezing.

18. Climbing French Bean Cosse Violette

Tips: Cosse Violette beans grow best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Provide support for the climbing vines and water consistently.
Facts: This French heirloom variety produces vibrant purple pods that turn green when cooked. The beans are tender, sweet, and perfect for fresh eating or steaming.

19. Fortex

Tips: Fortex beans thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Provide support for the tall climbing vines and water regularly.
Facts: This gourmet French bean variety produces long, slender pods that are stringless and tender, with a sweet flavor perfect for fresh eating or stir-fries.

20. Neckargold

Tips: Plant Neckargold beans in full sun and fertile soil. Provide support for the vigorous climbing vines and water regularly.
Facts: This yellow-podded climbing variety produces long, straight, and tender pods with a sweet, buttery flavor. It’s ideal for fresh eating or steaming.

Common Questions About Growing French Beans

Q: When should I plant French beans?
A: French beans are a warm-season crop and should be planted in late spring, after the last frost, when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C). They thrive in warm weather and need plenty of sunlight to grow well.

Q: Can I grow French beans in containers?
A: Yes, many bush varieties of French beans grow well in containers. Use pots that are at least 12 inches deep with good drainage. Place the container in a sunny spot and water regularly to keep the soil moist.

Q: How long do French beans take to grow?
A: French beans typically take 50-60 days to mature, depending on the variety. Climbing beans may take slightly longer than bush beans to produce a harvest.

Q: How do I know when to harvest French beans?
A: French beans are best harvested when the pods are young, tender, and about 4-6 inches long. Avoid letting the pods grow too large, as they may become tough and stringy.

Q: How do I store French beans after harvesting?
A: Fresh French beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can blanch and freeze them. Dried varieties, such as Borlotto beans, can be stored in an airtight container for several months.