loading

borlotti bean (climbing French), haricot 'Borlotto Lamon'

climbing French or Phaseolus vulgaris 'Borlotto'

Product Image
A wonderfully colourful bean with splashes of red all but covering the whitish pods. The beans are similarly ‘paint-splattered' with flecks of scarlet. High in iron and fibre and simply delicious, they are guaranteed to brighten up any meal and the key ingredient for the Venetian 'Pasta e Fagioli' dish. Borlotti beans freeze very well too.

How to care for lamon (Venice):

Climbing French beans need a warm, sunny position and fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Sow seeds indoors from mid-spring or directly outside once the risk of frost has passed.

When planting out, space plants around 15-20cm (6-8in) apart and provide strong supports such as hazel wigwams, bamboo canes, or trellis for the vines to climb. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, and mulch around plants to retain moisture.

Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails, which can quickly damage tender growth. Feed regularly with a high-potash fertiliser to encourage flowering and pod production.

Harvest beans frequently while they are young and tender, as allowing pods to mature will reduce further yields. Removing any older pods will encourage continuous cropping throughout the summer.

Sowing instructions:

Sow three seeds to a 15cm pot in mid-April and keep well watered and warm until germination. Keep seedlings in a frost-free greenhouse or on a windowsill, potting them on as they grow, and once all threat of frost has passed harden off gradually before planting out.
Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
1.8m
Eventual spread:
0.15m
Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Frost tender

  • InformationHumans/Pets: Raw pods/beans harmful if eaten

Product options

Product options image
SD30000246
50g packet | approx 50 seeds
£3.49
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
1
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Seed Packets (only)£2.99
Named Day Delivery£10.99

Goes well with

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year