Italian Bush Beans - This early-bearing, bush Roma variety is an old Italian favorite, reselected for great taste and improved yields. The vigorous 2 foot plants bear heavy harvests of flat, wide, 5 inch long green stringless pods with a distinctively rich “beany” flavour. They are scrumptious just steamed with a little butter or use them in your own freshly made minestrone soup, marinated for antipasto or in any green bean recipe. You’ll find their full meaty flavor is special and satisfying.
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring, once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart. Make several sowings several weeks apart until the end of June to provide long continued harvests.
GROWING NOTES
Garden beans are an easy reliable crop to grow, but don’t plant seeds too early as cold conditions prevent good germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Birds are often attracted to young bean seedlings, so watch carefully and protect with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Avoid cultivating plants or picking pods when plants are wet.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick these rich-tasting, full-flavored Italian specialty beans often for fresh snap beans by harvesting before the beans swell in the pods. The more you pick, the more plants will produce. Roma Improved also freezes well. If you wait until harvest and the pods mature so the beans swell you can use Roma Improved as green shelling beans. A great variety to grow where summers are especially hot.
Cold Winters: May - June
Mild Winters: April - June
Sun/Shade Full Sun
Sow Seeds: 4" apart, 1" deep
Days to Germinate: 5 - 10 days
Days to Harvest: Approx. 58