Boby Bianco is a dwarf French bean with a reputation. Cucina Caldesi recommends it for fagiolini in sugo di pomodori. You can find Italian Boby beans in Covent Garden market. That is the kind of variety this is.
The plants are compact and bushy. No staking, no climbing frames, no fuss. The pods are about 12cm long, completely stringless, and the flavour is noticeably better than the standard supermarket French bean.
With approximately 180 seeds per packet (50g), you get a serious amount of beans from one purchase.
🌱 Sowing information
Sow April to June directly into well prepared soil. Plant seeds 3 to 4cm deep, 20 to 25cm apart, in rows 45 to 50cm apart. Beans do not transplant well, so sow where they are to grow. Can also start in deep pots if the weather is too cold.
☀️ Light exposure
Full sun. Beans need warmth to produce well. A sheltered, sunny spot gives the best crops. Avoid cold, exposed positions and heavy shade.
💧 Water needs
Water well once flowers appear and pods start forming. Before flowering, beans need less water. Overwatering young plants can cause root rot. Once pods are setting, generous watering increases the harvest significantly.
🌡️ Germination temperature and time
Germination in 7 to 14 days at 12 to 20°C. Beans will not germinate in cold, wet soil. Wait until the soil has warmed up (at least 12°C) before sowing. In Ireland, this usually means late April at the earliest.
📏 Plant spacing and final size
Compact, bushy plants about 40 to 50cm tall. Space 20 to 25cm apart in rows 45 to 50cm apart. No support needed. The pods hang below the leaf canopy, making them easy to pick.
🌼 Harvesting notes
Harvest July to September, about 8 to 10 weeks after sowing. Pick pods when about 12cm long and still slim. Keep picking and the plant keeps producing. Stop picking and it stops.
🍽️ In the kitchen
Blanched and dressed with olive oil and lemon. Sautéed with garlic and tomato sauce. Tossed into pasta e fagioli. Steamed and eaten with nothing but good butter and salt.
📖 Not sure what to cook with your harvest? Our recipe guide “Welly to Belly: The Italian Vegetable Garden” is full of simple Italian recipes for exactly what you are growing. Get your copy and start cooking with what you grow.
Technical Data
🌱 Sowing depth: 3 to 4cm
📅 Sow: April to June (direct)
☀️ Light: Full sun, sheltered
🌡️ Germination: 7 to 14 days at 12 to 20°C (min soil temp 12°C)
📏 Height: 40 to 50cm. Space: 20 to 25cm, rows 45 to 50cm
🪴 Support: none needed (dwarf bush type)
⏳ Harvest: July to September, 8 to 10 weeks from sowing
🧪 Approx. seed quantity: 50g per packet (approx. 180 seeds)
Heritage variety from Franchi Sementi, est. 1783. Open pollinated, OGM free.
