GardenHow to grow French beans
फ्रेंच बीन्स. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsFebruary and March, August and September
South and coastal IndiaJanuary and February, June and July, September and October
HillsMarch to June
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 2.5 cm
- Spacing
- 10 to 15 cm apart
- In a pot
- Three or four plants in a pot 30 cm wide and deep
- Sprouts in
- 5 to 10 days
- Harvest
- 45 to 60 days
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Bush types need no support and suit pots. Climbing types need a two-metre pole or net and bear for longer.
- Pick the pods before the seeds bulge. They should snap cleanly.
- Beans dislike both frost and great heat, which is why the plains get two short seasons: early spring and early autumn.
What can go wrong
Flowers that fall without forming pods are a sign of heat or dry soil. Water regularly while the plants flower.
Sown around the same time
TomatoBrinjalCapsicumOkra (bhindi)Bottle gourd (lauki)Bitter gourd (karela)Ridge gourd (tori)Cucumber
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is french beans sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for french beans are February and March, August and September.
How long does french beans take to grow?
Usually 45 to 60 days.
Can french beans be grown in a pot?
Yes. Three or four plants in a pot 30 cm wide and deep.