Phaseolus vulgaris

French Dwarf is a compact heirloom bush bean celebrated for its exceptional flavour, crisp texture and high productivity. While the name might suggest a plain appearance, this variety is anything but ordinary. It produces slim, round pods on sturdy bushes and is known for being one of the best varieties for freezing, preserving both flavour and snap after blanching.

The beans are stringless and tender, making them ideal for steaming, stir-frying, or enjoying fresh from the garden. Their pale seeds set them apart from the more common tan or speckled dry beans and offer a clean, classic appearance when shelled. Although best known for fresh use, the pods also perform well when lightly blanched and frozen for later use.

Sow seeds directly into warm, well-drained soil after the last frost. Plant 2 to 3 cm deep, spaced 10 to 15 cm apart in rows about 40 cm wide. Germination takes 7 to 14 days in soil temperatures between 18 and 24°C. Do not pre-soak seeds, especially in cold or waterlogged soils.

While French Dwarf typically grows without support, it can benefit from light staking due to the volume of pods it produces. Plants reach maturity in around 55 to 60 days and should be harvested regularly to encourage continued production.

For best results, inoculate seeds with SoyGro Beanflo before planting. This microbial treatment supports nitrogen fixation, improving both soil health and plant vigour, especially where legumes haven’t recently been grown.

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.