Dwarf French Bean Canadian Wonder (Kidney)

Heirloom Canadian Wonder is the classic red kidney bean—just what you’d expect in a hearty bowl of chilli con carne. It’s easy to grow and wonderfully versatile.

For dried beans, let the pods mature on the plant. You don’t have to wait until the very end of the season—once the pods start to yellow, you can pick them. Shell the beans and leave them out overnight; they’ll turn from pink to that deep, rich kidney bean red. Pop them in the freezer and cook straight from frozen whenever you're ready. Prefer to store them dry? Simply leave the pods to dry naturally on the plant, then shell and store the beans in airtight jars. (Just remember to soak dried kidney beans overnight before cooking.)

You can also enjoy Canadian Wonder as a French bean—just harvest the young green pods early. They’re tender, full of flavour, and delicious straight from the garden. Plants grow to about 30–50 cm tall and usually don’t need any support.

SOW & GROW

Start these off in pots or modules during April or May. Wait until mid-May to sow in situ.  You can sow as late as July for a later harvest. Grown for either crop (in the green or as dried) your plants will reach 30-50cm tall and will not need supporting.