Cranberry Bean Seeds

Cranberry (French Horticultural) Bean Seeds Open Pollinated

Variety Name: French Delight

Origin: France

French Delight beans are a cherished heritage variety that originated in the lush gardens of France. These open-pollinated beans showcase the finest qualities of traditional French horticulture. Renowned for their tender texture and exquisite flavor, they are a favorite among culinary enthusiasts and gardeners alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Growth Habit: Bush
• Height: 18-24 inches
• Spread: 12-18 inches
• Days to Maturity: 60-70 days
• Foliage: Vibrant green, abundant

Bean Characteristics:

• Type: Pole bean
• Pod Length: 6-8 inches
• Color: Pale green with speckles
• Texture: Tender, crisp
• Flavor: Delicate, nutty

Cultural Information:

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Regular, consistent watering
• Planting: Direct sow after the danger of frost has passed, spacing seeds 3 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart.
• Maintenance: Provide support for pole beans if necessary. Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting:

• Begin harvesting when beans are young and tender, about 6-8 inches in length.
• Pick beans regularly to encourage continued production.

Culinary Use: French Delight beans are versatile in the kitchen, suitable for both fresh and cooked applications.

• Enjoy fresh in salads for their crisp texture and delicate flavor.
• Steam or sauté lightly to preserve their nutty taste and vibrant color.
• Incorporate into casseroles, stir-fries, and soups for added depth and nutrition.
  
  How to Grow:
  

  These beans are best harvested when the green pods reach a length of 15-17 cm (6-7 inches) for fresh snap beans. As they mature, the pods develop a lumpy texture and transition in color from green to red with yellow streaks. Once fully matured, the shelled beans are perfect for baking and soups, featuring beige-brown seeds. The maturity cycle spans 64 days.
  

  To cultivate:

  • Directly sow the seeds in a sunlit area during late spring after the threat of frost has subsided and the soil has warmed to at least 18°C (65°F).
  • For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every two weeks.
  • Plant at a depth of 3.75 cm (1.5 inches) with a spacing of 10 cm (4 inches) between seeds.
  • Thin the seedlings to maintain a distance of 20 cm (8 inches) apart.
  • Maintain row widths of 60 cm (24 inches).
  • While this variety may produce runners, staking is typically unnecessary. It thrives in deep, well-drained organic soil, but caution is advised as bean seeds are susceptible to rotting in colder-than-recommended soil temperatures.
  • Pkt Contains 50+/- Seeds, Approx 20-22 grams.

Storage:

• Store freshly harvested beans in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For long-term storage, blanch and freeze beans in airtight containers.

Embrace the elegance and flavor of French horticulture with French Delight beans. Experience the timeless allure of these heirloom treasures in your garden and kitchen.

Bon appétit!