Bush Bean ‘Pencil Pod’

Tender, stringless pods

Seeds of dwarf bean ‘Pencil Pod Black Wax’ (Phaseolus vulgaris), offered by OSC Seeds.

This vigorous, stocky dwarf bean is a prolific producer. The fleshy, light yellow pods, 12 to 15 cm long, are quite tender and generally stringless. A very reliable, versatile bean for home gardeners and market gardeners. Introduced in 1900.

Plant height : 40-50 cm
Quantity per packet : Approximately 80 to 100 seeds
Harvest time : 55-60 days
Difficulty level : Easy
Frost tolerance : Killed by frost
Companion plants : Carrots, cucumbers, courgettes
Negative plants : Onions, leeks
Plant type : Annual vegetable

Cultivation method :

Beans tolerate a wide range of soil types. They grow best in light, organic, well-drained soil with a pH of around 6.5. Beans have a distinct aversion to cold, damp soils, so sow seeds only after the soil has warmed to at least 16C (61F). Sow at a depth of 2.5 cm (1 inch) and 8 cm (3 inches) apart in rows spaced 45 to 70 cm (18 to 27 inches) apart.

To ensure a continuous harvest, sow dwarf varieties every 10 days until mid-July. Keep the beans evenly watered, especially when the plants are flowering and pod production begins. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen, as nitrogen promotes excessive foliage. Avoid disturbing the beans when the leaves are wet to reduce the incidence of disease. Germination occurs in approximately 8 days.