Origin: The parent seed of our haricots verts came from the garden of a neighbor of the kids’ grandparents in France. When dried, the beans are a beautiful mottled brown color. Their neighbor near the village of Le Broc, near Nice, has saved the seeds of this slender and delicious bean for generations.
Haricots verts, French for “green beans,” are slender, tender, and flavorful string beans prized in culinary circles for their crisp texture and refined taste. Unlike standard green beans, haricots verts are harvested young, making them thinner, more delicate, and perfect for quick cooking methods like sautéing or steaming. Growing your own haricots verts is rewarding and straightforward, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes haricots verts special, how to grow them successfully, and tips for a bountiful harvest.
Why Grow Haricots Verts?
Haricots verts are a gourmet favorite, often featured in French cuisine and farm-to-table dishes. Their petite size and sweet, nutty flavor elevate simple recipes, from salads to stir-fries. Growing them at home ensures freshness, saves money, and lets you enjoy organic produce tailored to your taste. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins A, C, and K, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
How to Grow Haricots Verts
1. Timing and Climate
Haricots verts thrive in warm weather, with soil temperatures above 60°F (15°C). Plant them after the last frost in spring, typically late April to early June in most regions. They need 45-60 days to mature, depending on the variety.
2. Site Selection and Soil Prep
• Location: Choose a spot with full sun (6-8 hours daily) and good air circulation.
• Soil: Haricots verts prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Work in compost or aged manure a few weeks before planting to boost fertility. Avoid heavy clay soils, as they can hinder root growth.
3. Planting
• Bush beans: Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 2-4 inches apart, in rows spaced 18-24 inches. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart if needed.
• Water gently after planting to settle the soil, but avoid soaking to prevent seed rot.
4. Care and Maintenance
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, especially during flowering and pod development.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of straw or shredded bark to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool.
• Fertilizing: Haricots verts fix nitrogen in the soil, so heavy fertilization isn’t needed. A light application of balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting is usually sufficient.
• Pest and disease control: Watch for aphids, bean beetles, or powdery mildew. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for pests and ensure good spacing for air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
5. Harvesting
Harvest haricots verts when pods are 4-6 inches long, slender, and snap easily—typically 45-60 days after planting. Pick every 1-2 days to encourage continuous production. Use scissors or pinch pods off to avoid damaging the plant. For the best flavor, harvest in the morning when pods are crisp and cool.
6. Post-Harvest and Succession Planting
After harvesting, consider a second planting for a late summer crop, as they mature quickly.
Tips for Success
• Companion planting: Grow haricots verts alongside marigolds or nasturtiums to deter pests naturally.
• Crop rotation: Avoid planting beans in the same spot for 2-3 years to prevent soil-borne diseases.
• Storage: Store fresh haricots verts in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, blanch and freeze them.
• Save seeds: Let some pods mature and dry on the plant, then collect seeds for next year’s crop.
Common Challenges and Solutions
• Yellowing leaves: Often due to overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture and consider a light fertilizer boost.
• Poor pod set: Caused by high temperatures or insufficient pollination. Ensure consistent watering and attract pollinators with nearby flowers.
• Pests: Hand-pick beetles or use row covers early in the season to protect young plants.
Why You’ll Love Growing Haricots Verts
Growing haricots verts is a delightful way to bring gourmet flavor to your garden and kitchen. Their fast growth, minimal care requirements, and prolific yields make them a joy for gardeners of all levels. Whether you’re tossing them into a Niçoise salad or enjoying them lightly steamed with butter, homegrown haricots verts are a treat worth cultivating.
Ready to start? Grab some seeds from our catalog, prepare your garden bed, and get planting. With a little care, you’ll be savoring these delicate green beans in no time. Happy gardening!
Kids Seed Co. Haricots Verts are available in our catalog!