This early maturing Kenyan-type produces heavy crops of slim, dark green 10cm (4") stringless pods over a long cropping season. Dwarf Bean 'Opera' has an upright, open habit making the pods easy to spot when harvesting. With good resistance to Halo Blight, Bean Mosaic Virus, Anthracnose and Botrytis, this is the perfect choice for organic gardeners. Height: 45cm (18"). Spread: 30cm (12").
Sowing
Sow dwarf bean seeds indoors from mid April for transplanting later on, or direct sow outdoors from late May to July.
Indoors, sow bean seeds at a depth of 5cm (2") in 7.5cm (3") pots or trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 12-25C (54-77F) until germination, which takes 7-10 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination. Once germinated, grow on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and the dwarf French bean plants are large enough to be transplanted. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting French beans outdoors in rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun with protection from strong winds.
Alternatively direct sow dwarf green beans outdoors when the soil as warmed. Sow 2 bean seeds per station at a depth of 5cm (2") and a distance of 23cm (9") apart. Plant dwarf beans in rows that are 45cm (18") apart.
More Info
When growing beans, hoe between plants often and water regularly. Provide a compost mulch around the base of bean plants to combat dry periods. For the best crops harvest beans regularly while the pods are still young.
