An attractive and versatile bean that can be used as a green bean when young and tender, or dried for haricot beans.

The mature, red mottled, flat pods contain large beans ideal for adding to a variety of Italian dishes and minestrone soup.

Prefers rich moist soil in an open sunny situation.

Best sown direct after all danger of frost is passed and the soil has warmed. Sow direct outdoors in warm soil, germination can be erratic in cold, wet soils. Sow 2 or 3 seeds 5cm (2in) deep, allowing 20cm (8in) between each group ol seeds, and 45cm (18in) between rows. Use cloches or row cover to aid establishment of earliest sowings.

No need to thin out.

Hoe regularly and keep well watered and mulched during dry periods. Harvest regularly while young for highest yields and to extend the season.