Phaseolus vulgaris

Available for purchase from 1 July 2025  

French Golden Gate is a climbing French bean making its debut in South Africa through its first release by Livingseeds in 2025. Originally celebrated in European gardens and listed in the Royal Horticultural Society’s cultivar trials, this variety is prized for its pale cream, stringless pods that can grow up to 25 cm long. Known for its reliability, productivity and refined appearance, it is now available to South African growers for the first time.

What sets French Golden Gate apart is its flavour. The pods are sweet and fresh with a buttery texture and a slight nutty undertone, offering a crisp bite that holds up well when cooked. Whether lightly sautéed, steamed or added to fresh salads, the beans retain their creamy texture and delicate taste. They are also excellent for freezing, maintaining their eating quality well after blanching.

Sow seeds directly into the soil once the danger of frost has passed and temperatures remain above 18 °C. Place them 2–3 cm deep and 15 cm apart, with rows about 60 cm wide. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 10 days. For best results, choose a sunny, sheltered position with loose, well-drained soil and keep it consistently moist during early growth.

As a vigorous climber, this variety requires trellising or vertical support. It begins producing about 60 days from sowing, and regular harvesting will extend the cropping period and encourage ongoing flowering. The pale pods stand out clearly against the foliage, making picking easy and rewarding.

To maximise soil health and plant vitality, inoculate seeds before sowing with SoyGro BeanFlo. This biological treatment improves nitrogen uptake, enhances early root development and supports strong, resilient plant growth throughout the season.

Standard packet contains approx. 25 seeds

Petite packet contains approx. 10 seeds