Marvel of Venice might sound a bit grand, but this Italian heirloom bean more than earns the name. It’s known for its rich, buttery, sweet flavour – one of those beans you taste once and then want to grow every year. It’s an early Romano type, ready in around 55 days, and gives you long, pale yellow pods that range from soft lemon to honey-coloured. And yep, they’re delicious at every stage – from young and tender to fully dried.
Pick Marvel of Venice beans young and toss them straight into salads or serve them up with a dip – they’re great raw or just lightly cooked. Let them grow on a bit and they really come into their own. You can steam, braise, simmer, grill, sauté or even deep-fry them – and they stand up beautifully to it all. Their meaty texture and rich flavour make them ideal for soups, stews, or hearty side dishes.
And yes, they climb!
These are tall vining plants, so they’ll need a trellis or some poles to scramble up. Once they get going, they don’t hold back.
So why not call Marvel of Venice a Climbing French Bean? Well – it’s Italian for starters. But more than that, it’s a bit special. The pods, the flavour, the versatility – they’ve got a character all their own.
That said – yes, you do grow them just like a climbing French bean.
If you’re after a bean that’s tasty, versatile, and a bit of a show-off in the garden, Marvel of Venice might be just what you’re looking for. Give it something to climb, keep it well watered, and enjoy the harvest.
Sow: start in pots or modules in an unheated greenhouse or window-sill in April- May. You can sow directly into the soil from mid-May.
Grow: harden off & plant after all frost danger has passed. These will need tall supports. Keep picking for more beans. This early producing Romano bean, ready to harvest in about 55 days, grows long light to honey yellow pods that are delicious at every stage from young pods right through to dried beans - Enjoy!
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