SCIENTIFIC NAME: Phaseolus vulgaris CULTURE: Choose well-drained soil with a pH above 6.0. After the last frost date sow seeds directly into the garden soil about 2 apart, 1 deep, in rows 20-36 apart. Optimum soil temperature for germination is 70-90oF (21-32oC). Plant when daytime soil temperatures average at least 60oF (16oC), or risk poor germination. Inoculants can increase yields. For a continuous supply make successive sowings every 2-3 weeks through midsummer. Do not thin. Dark-colored seeds germinate better in cool soil than white seeds. DISEASES: Plow under or remove & compost bean straw in the fall to hasten destruction of most disease organisms. For sclerotinia white mold control, plant at a wider row spacing to promote drying of plant leaves & soil. Practice a 3-year crop rotation, preferably into corn or grain crops. All our filet bean seeds are Halo-Blight free. INSECT PESTS: Mexican bean beetles can be controlled with insecticides such as pyrethrin or azadirachtin. HARVEST: Harvest regularly to encourage new pod set. Filet beans are intended to be picked very slender, - in diameter. A continuous yield of extra fine ( diam.) grade is maintained by picking every 36-48 hours. Two days in hot weather or four days in cool weather is about the maximum delay between harvests to ensure an absence of oversized, tough beans. Filet beans are not recommended for freezing or canning. Bean Bush Velour Vegetable Seed 100
