Phaseolus vulgaris

Brown Beauty is a quietly exceptional heirloom bush bean with roots in France, often overlooked due to its modest, unassuming name but recognised by experienced growers for its reliability and productivity. This old variety forms sturdy, compact bushes around 40 to 50 cm tall and is prized for its high yields of long, flat green pods and glossy brown seeds. Despite its understated appearance, Brown Beauty delivers premium performance in the home garden.

Its fleshy, stringless pods reach up to 15 cm in length and are ideal for fresh eating, steaming or freezing. The flavour is mild and nutty, with a smooth texture when cooked. It continues to produce generously over an extended harvest window, making it especially useful for gardeners looking for a consistent supply of tender beans throughout the season.

Sow directly into warm, well-drained soil after the last frost. Plant seeds 2 to 3 cm deep, spaced 10 to 15 cm apart in rows about 40 cm wide. Germination occurs within 7 to 15 days when soil temperatures are between 18 and 24°C. Avoid pre-soaking seeds, particularly in cool or overly damp soil.

Brown Beauty stands out for its impressive heat tolerance, making it a dependable performer in the hotter parts of the season. It also shows strong disease resistance, holding up well against common bean pathogens and reducing the need for intervention. This hardiness makes it ideal for gardeners seeking lower-maintenance crops with reliable results.

To further support growth and improve yields, inoculate seeds with SoyGro Beanflo. This microbial inoculant helps plants fix nitrogen and encourages vigorous, healthy development, especially in soils where legumes haven’t been grown recently.

Standard packet contains approx. 25 seeds
Petite packet contains approx. 10 seeds

Using Beanflo-Rhizobium bacteria when planting your bean seed is the most cost effective way of putting nitrogen fixing bacteria into your soil, creating healthier soil for a more productive harvest.