Broad Bean Duet Seeds, average packet contents :  60 seeds

Broad Bean Duet is an unusual variety producing small pods with around 5 beans in each one. However it has outstanding flavour and produces very high quality beans, with a high yield, when picked regularly.

Stereo is a compact variety that is ideal for container growing and the pods can be picked when young and eaten like 'mange-tout' or left to grow to full size.

General Broad Bean Growing Tips

Broad beans are the first legumes to be harvested, and with a succession of sowings you can have broad beans available right from June into September.

In mild areas you can sow Broad Beans - usually varieties such as Super Aquadulce or The Sutton in the autumn for a early crop the following year. During cold weather it pays to cover the plants with fleece for added protection.

• Sow either in large cells or direct in the ground, about 5cm deep and 20cm apart; dwarf varieties can be sown 15cm apart if you are short of space.
• They are commonly sown in double rows approx. 20cm apart, with a gap of  60cm between each double row.
• Once through feed regularly.
• Taller varieties will need support, place a cane at the end of the double row and run a string round the plants and canes. Repeat as they grow giving support as needed.
• Broad beans can be attacked by aphids. One way to reduce the damage is to pinch out the top 7.5cm of the plants when the first pods start are seen. Alternatively you can spray with SB Plant Invigorator.
• When picking pods to shell wait until the beans can be seen through the pod. Do not leave them too long as once the scar on the bean turns black, the beans start becoming tougher.