Phaseolus vulgaris French bean (Leguminosae)

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Phaseolus vulgaris
French bean
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The Phaseolus vulgaris plant species is found in S. America? Original habitat is obscure. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as French bean.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Phaseolus vulgaris
Common Name:  French bean
Family:  Leguminosae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Large quantities of the raw mature seed are poisonous[10, 65]. The toxins play a role in protecting the plant from insect predation[76].

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Not known in a truly wild situation.

Cultivation Notes: Requires a warm sunny position in a rich well-drained preferably light soil with plenty of moisture in the growing season[27, 37, 200]. Dislikes heavy, wet or acid soils[16, 37]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 to 6.5[200]. The French bean is commonly cultivated in many parts of the world for its edible seeds and immature seedpods, there are many named varieties ranging from dwarf forms about 30cm tall to climbing forms up to 3 metres tall[183, 186, 200]. Plants are not frost-tolerant, air temperatures below 10°c can cause damage to seedlings[200]. When grown for their edible pods, the immature pods should be harvested regularly in order to promote extra flower production and therefore higher yields[200]. Yields of green pods averages about 3kg per square metre, though double this can be achieved[200]. French beans grow well with strawberries, carrots, cauliflowers, cucumbers, cabbage, beet, leek and celariac[18, 20]. They are inhibited by alliums and fennel growing nearby[18, 20]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. When removing plant remains at the end of the growing season, it is best to only remove the aerial parts of the plant, leaving the roots in the ground to decay and release their nitrogen.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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