Bush bean (French bean) ‘Reine des Pourpres’ - organic-seeds

Bush bean (French bean) ‘Reine des Pourpres’

The bush bean Reine des Pourpres is a productive and ornamental variety with purple pods that turn green when cooked. With proper care, it produces a generous and extended harvest.

Sowing bush beans

Sow bush beans directly in the ground from May, once the risk of frost has passed. The soil should be warm and slightly moist. Sow in rows or holes at a depth of 2–3 cm.

Beans prefer light, well-drained soil rich in well-decomposed organic matter and a sunny location. Poor or overly dry soil can result in tougher pods and increased stringiness.

For a continuous harvest, sow every three weeks until mid-July.

Maintenance

• Hill up the plants three weeks after emergence

• Water regularly during dry periods

Diseases and pests

Beans are susceptible to powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation and treat preventively or curatively with plant extracts.

They may also suffer from bean anthracnose, a fungal disease causing brown circular spots on leaves, stems and pods. It is often seed-borne. Remove infected parts promptly. Garlic or horsetail extracts can be beneficial.

The bean weevil attacks stored seeds. As a preventive measure, store seeds in the freezer for one week if insects are detected.

Harvest

• Mangetout beans: harvest after 2–2.5 months, every 4–5 days

• Filet beans: harvest after 2–2.5 months, every 2–3 days to avoid fibrous pods

Companion planting

Good companions include pumpkins, maize, peas and radishes.
Avoid Allium crops.

Benefits

Bush beans are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Tips

• Soak seeds for 12–24 hours before sowing to improve germination

• Dark-colored seeds germinate better at lower temperatures than white seeds