Dwarf French Bean Boby Bianco – Heritage Variety by Franchi Seeds

Dwarf French Bean Boby Bianco (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a heritage variety producing compact plants with stringless pods about 12 cm long. Known for its restaurant quality flavour, this bean is recommended by Cucina Caldesi in their recipe ‘Fagiolini in sugo di pomodori’ (green beans in tomato sauce). Italian Boby beans can even be found in Covent Garden market, a testament to their culinary reputation.

With approximately 180 seeds per packet (50 g), Boby Bianco is a reliable and productive dwarf French bean variety, perfect for fresh eating, cooking, or preserving.

🌱 Sowing information

• Sow from April to June directly into well‑prepared soil.
• Plant seeds 3–4 cm deep, spacing 20–25 cm apart in rows 45–50 cm apart.
• Compact plants require little support and are ideal for small gardens.

☀️ Light exposure

Prefers full sun for strong growth and sweet pods.

💧 Water needs

Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod formation. Avoid waterlogging.

🌡️ Germination temperature & time

Seeds germinate at 15–25 °C, usually within 7–14 days.

📏 Plant spacing & final size

Space plants 20–25 cm apart in rows 45–50 cm apart. Mature plants remain dwarf, around 40–50 cm tall.

🌼 Harvesting notes

Harvest pods when they reach 12 cm long and are tender. Pick regularly to encourage further production.

Bullet Technical Data

• 🌱 Sowing depth: 3–4 cm
• 📅 Ideal planting months for Ireland: April–June
• ☀️ Light requirements: Full sun
• 🌡️ Germination time: 7–14 days at 15–25 °C
• 📏 Plant height: 40–50 cm (dwarf)
• 🪴 Spacing: 20–25 cm between plants, 45–50 cm between rows
• ⏳ Days to maturity: 60–70 days depending on sowing date
• 🧪 Approximate seeds quantity: about 180 seeds per packet (50 g)
• 🌿 Pods: 12 cm long, stringless

🌱 Companion & Rotation Notes

Partnership plants: Chard, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Cucumber, Chicory and Radicchio, Lettuce, Aubergine, Radish, Corn.

What to sow after: Chard, Carrots, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Cucumber, Chicory and Radicchio, Fennel, Endive, Lettuce, Aubergine, Melon, Pepper, Tomato, Leek, Parsley, Radish, Spinach, Lamb’s lettuce, Courgette.

🌱 Tips & Tricks for Growing (Garden Expert Section)

• Ideal for small gardens thanks to compact growth.
• Sow successively for staggered harvests through summer.
• Companion planting improves soil health and reduces pests.
• Rotate crops after beans to enrich soil with nitrogen for leafy greens and brassicas.

🍴 Garden-to-Table Recipe (for 4 people)

Fagiolini in sugo di pomodori (Green beans in tomato sauce)

• 300 g Boby Bianco beans
• 400 g ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste

Method – step-by-step

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Blanch beans in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
4. Add beans to tomato sauce, cook for 10 minutes.
5. Season and serve hot.

Serving suggestions & variations
Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or fish. For variation, add fresh basil or chili flakes.