Broad Bean Express Eleonora

Express Eleonora has lots of long pods packed with tasty beans.  It is fast growing but not too tall (75-90cm) thus a good choice if your beans have been battered by the wind in previous years.  Main sowing time is February to April but this variety can also crop well from a mid spring/early summer start so perfect for stretching out your harvest.

This variety is part of our naturally nurtured range, the seed comes from an organic source

SOW

We start all our broad beans in deeper modules or pots (seed depth 50mm) and plant out once the soil is more workable in spring.  Protection may only be needed in the worst of the weather.  Sow February to April but this variety can also crop well from a mid-spring/early summer start so perfect for stretching out your harvest.  If sowing in the open wait for the soil to warm from April onwards or use cloches.

GROW

If pot sown grow on and plant out when about 15cm tall.  We grow our beans in triple rows which does seem to help keep the taller varieties standing on their own even on a windy site.  A post in each corner and some string to make a fence will give you extra reassurance that only a full on gale might test! 

ENJOY

When in full flower the tops can be pinched out for use as greens. This will restrict the height and encourage the plants to put their energy into the beans.  Pick when the beans begin to show before the pods are too large.  Fresh broad beans from the garden are a taste not to be missed.  To Freeze – shell, blanch for 3 minutes, plunge into cold water, drain and pack into portions.