I've just joined the Heritage Seed Library and they've sent me some of these. Anyone heard of them or grown them before? I can't find out much info about them. The info in the catalogue says:
"Produces dark red beans. It never became popular as it produced seeds plumper and larger than the canning industry wanted".
Now personally I was struggling to work out exactly why that would be a problem, as I opened the packet only to find out they look ordinary french bean size :-\
I know, I know, plant them and see what happens ::) ;D but I just wondered if anyone knew anything ....
They must have a surplus since they sent me the same ones... I wonder if they keep their colour when cooked or are they just plain green on the outside? Thanks CC, I'm all keen to find out now!
Mike
LOL!! I suspect that they don't know much about it either then and want some feedback on it ;D
I took their description to mean it was an ordinary (green) dwarf bean, that was originally grown for its red seeds to be used like kidney beans? But I may be wrong :-\
not beans, but ive always wondered why seed potatoes are in general terms much smaller than those you harvest! Check yours for size ;)
This is a kidney bean - I grow Montcalm, which is similar. In May I put them approx 4 to a hole, about 18" apart. The pods are tough once the beans get to any size, so you don't really eat the pod, just grow them for the bean. I let them dry, and also freeze them. They are the sort of bean you use in chilli con carne.
Excellent - thanks!
Jenny - where did you get your "montcalm" from? They sound interesting too, but I couldn't find the seed for sale :-\
I bought lots of beans whilst on holiday in France, boxes of them were very good value. Haven't seen them in this country I am afraid.