EXCLUSIVE – French-bred especially for kitchen gardeners, Castandel beans keep their juicy texture and sweet flavor longer on the plants, leaving you more time to pick them before they become tough or fibrous. In France, Castandel is nicknamed “The Weekend Bean” because this fine variety allows you more time and leisure between pickings. These versatile plants produce bountiful harvests of succulent beans for fresh garden to table eating. Perfect for garden beds, patio containers or tidy small space gardens.
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 in 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows 1. feet apart.
For Container Planting: Sow seeds in big pots at least 18 to 20 inches in diameter and 18 inches tall filled with fresh, moistened, good-quality potting mix. Make additional sowings in more pots several weeks later until the end of June to provide long continued harvests.
GROWING NOTES
Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly — you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have room to grow and mature.
HARVEST AND USE
Pick these fine-flavored gourmet beans while bean pods are young and slender. The more beans you pick, the more the plants will produce. Steam, sauté or roast them quickly just until tender-crisp and serve simply to fully enjoy their tempting flavor.
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. 53 days