Best climbing beans

[Alison]

Grew Cobra about 10 years ago and wasn't really that impressed but the location wasn't good back then so not really a decent try.

This year I'm growing the same as last year which is a wigwam each of Blauhilde, Blue Lake and Trail of Tears. All really really good and very prolific. Tend to eat a mix of all of them which looks good on the plate as they tend to keep their colour fairly well when steamed. Froze well last year also too, much better than runners which to be honest aren't really all that in my view.

[Storming Norman]

I'd say don't give up on Cobra yet.

Blauhilde was always my favorite climbing french until this year when on the recommendation of people here I tried Cobra.

It's wonderful - so tasty - and really early to crop in comparison to Blauhilde.

I find it's really prolific, and I now wonder how well it freezes - any ideas folks? I'm not so impressed with frozen Blauhilde but there are so many cobra, and its rather too good to give away.

Only one problem - it's green and less easy to find on the support. I like the purple ones for that alone.......

I'm all in favour of a bean trench, and not too many bean plants per support. They do need a fair bit of sun and water to grow well.

Why your kids don't like runners is odd they are so full of flavour.

Ginger Ninger - The arch looks good doesn't it? I have my french beans on these arches both at home and at the allotment - I saw it on Piglet Willies site and thought now there's a good idea.