A major improvement on traditional varieties, producing a tremendous yield of broad, well filled pods, each containing 6 to 8 beans of superb flavour.

Sow the seed at any time in the open ground from spring to early summer, or under cloches from autumn through to late winter, 5cm (2in) deep, 23cm (9in) apart in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Any fertile, well drained soil is ideal.

Hoe regularly and cut off the tops of the plants as soon as four clusters of bloom are showing (the tops are tender and can be eaten like spinach).

Harvest the beans when the pods are well filled and the seeds still soft.