Rolande French Bush Bean
A fine French delicacy, Rolande is the very best “filet” or “haricot vert” variety with deep green, truly gourmet beans of delicate flavor and superb quality. They are sensational simply steamed to serve whole with a knob of sweet butter and a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs. This refined introduction from our premier French seedsmen offers gardeners abundant harvests of long, pencil-slim, rounded 6 inch pods on strong, sturdy, disease-resistant plants.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring, once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart. Make successive sowings several weeks apart until the end of June to provide long continued harvests.
GROWING NOTES
Tender, crispy garden beans are an easy reliable crop to grow, but don’t plant seeds too early as cold conditions prevent good germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Birds are often attracted to young bean seedlings, so watch carefully and protect with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Avoid cultivating plants or picking pods when plants are wet.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick these fine flavored French gourmet beans more often than other bean varieties; at least every other day. They should be full size, but still very slender and no thicker than a pencil. The more you pick, the more plants will produce. Steam or sauté them quickly, just until tender-crisp and serve simply to fully enjoy their tempting flavor.