Borlotti Beans

[timmyalex]

Morning all,

I have tried growing Borlotti beans for the first time this year so have little/no experience and know very little about them.

My first batch were hit by frost but the second lot have done really well and now stand 6ft+ on canes with flowers but very few pods for the size of the plants. Is this usual in that are these beans very late producers in a UK climate.? I would have expected more due to the past weather we've had here in Bucks.

Also, and hopefully once I actually have some bean pods to harvest !! How do you preserve. freezing or drying and if freezing do you blanche first.? Too many questions - Not enought time....

Any help out there.? THANKS

[rustylady]

The pods can be used young as you would use runner or french beans. I like to use some of them like this (fresh not frozen) and leave the rest to mature and dry on the plant. Then pick and shell them and use as dried beans throughout the winter.

[Alison]

I grow mine specifically for dried beans (have other beans I prefer for fresh) so leave them all on until the autumn and then eat over the winter after soaking and boiling.