Dwarf French Bean Stanley 500 x (99g's Approx.) Vegetable Seeds

Sowing: Sow indoors for surest results April-May 2.5cm (1) deep into individual pots of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20°C (60-68°F) is ideal. Outdoors in late May to July. Even when temperatures are not below freezing cold air can damage bean plants so don't plant too early. Plant outdoors only after the last frosts May onwards Sowing seeds early indoors gives a faster and more reliable germination rate. Beans sown directly outside often germinate poorly or get attacked by slugs. Avoid problems by sowing seeds in late April and May in pots or root trainers in the greenhouse. Robust young plants will be ready to plant outside within about 5 weeks growing away far quicker than outdoor sowings. Sow a single bean seed 4cm (1.5in) deep in root trainers or into a 7.5cm (3in) pot filled with multipurpose compost. Water well label and place on a sunny windowsill to germinate. Seedlings will be ready to plant out after about three weeks. Before planting put in a cold frame to acclimatise. Alternatively beans can be sown directly in the soil between the second half of May and the middle of July. Plant two seeds next to your support about 5cm (2in) deep. Water well. After germination remove the smaller and less robust of the two young plants. As they grow ensure the plants continue to twine around their canes. Delay sowing if soil is cold or waterlogged. Sow two seeds together 30cm (1') between each position. Allow 45cm (18) between rows. Thin to leave stronger plant. Water well until plants are established. Harvest: June-October. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days. Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts) before planting out 25cm (10) apart during May-June when frosts are over. Allow 45cm (18) between rows. Or sow outdoors May-July for ease where they are to crop 5cm (2) deep directly into finely-prepared well-cultivated fertile soil.