Dwarf French Bean Nassau

Nassau is an absolute gem. These beans have earned their reputation for top-notch flavour and texture. The juicy, stringless green pods grow to around 15cm (6") and are easy to spot and pick from the knee-high plants (well, knee-height for me!). If you’re willing to give flat beans a chance, Nassau will win you over.

SOW: start these off in pots or modules, seed depth 40-50mm, placed in an unheated greenhouse or even on a window during April or May.  You can sow directly into the soil but wait until mid-May as they really do not like cold soil.  You can sow as late as July for a later harvest.

GROW: plant out after hardening off when about 15cm tall after all frost danger has passed. Nassau will grow to knee-height (about 50-55cm) & should not need any support unless your garden is particularly windy.  French Beans are self-pollinating.  They cope well with drier summers

ENJOY: the succulent green pods grow to about 15cm (6”) long: you can pick them earlier but they stay stringless.  You can leave pods at the end of the season for drying out and soring the dried beans for use in winter casseroles.  All French beans freeze well, simply slice and pack into portions.