Broad Bean ‘Duet’ – Small Space, Big Harvest Love protein-rich broad beans but short on space? ‘Duet’ is the answer. This compact, high-yielding variety grows neat clusters of pods, each packed with 4–5 good-sized beans (12–15mm). Perfect for containers, small plots, or exposed, windy spots – tasty, reliable, and ideal for getting the most from your garden.
SOW: from February to early May. We start our broad beans in individual 7cm pots in a coldframe or greenhouse: you can use yoghurt pots with holes made in the bottom. Seed depth about 5cm (to your second knuckle). You can sow them in situ and protect with cloches while they get going.
GROW: if pot sown grow on before hardening off when about 15cm tall ready to plant out. Your earliest sowings may need cloche protection if going out in early spring. Space plants 25-30cm apart, closer if grown in containers. Duet is sturdy and more compact than most other varieties and is not so easily swayed by windy conditions, growing in triple rows or blocks will also help them be self-supportive.
ENJOY: ready to pick when the beans begin to show, before the pods are too large, and you will enjoy small and tender beans. If they're young and tender, just steam them for about 3 minutes and test with a fork as overcooking will harden them (the reason why broad beans have a poor reputation with some people!) To Freeze – shell, blanch for 3 minutes, plunge into cold water, drain and pack into portions
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