Borlotto Bean Seed 'Lingua di Fuoco'

This is a dual-purpose bean that produces spectacular pods splashed with red stripes - Lingua di Fuoco literally translates as Tongue of Fire.

These are, in effect, a Climbing French Bean and can be eaten young in the pod, either raw or cooked (they look stunning chopped into salads), or they can be shelled and used like a flageolet bean, or shelled and dried. The handsome red speckling disappears when they are cooked.

Borlotto beans are basically the Italian version of kidney beans, hailing originally from the New World; Italians traditionally use them in soups and stews.

• For Growing In Rows
• Sow April-early July, two seeds per station 4" (10 cm) apart in rows 30" (75 cm) apart. Sow in 2" (5 cm) deep drills.
• Provide support for these to climb up to a height of around 6 - 8 feet (1.8-2.4 metres) using netting, a bamboo cane structure or similar.

• For Borlotto Bean Wigwams
• Using a dustbin lid or similar as a template, drive into the ground six 8 foot (2.4 metre) canes and tie together at the top to produce a teepee effect.
• Plant two seeds 2" (5 cm) deep at the foot of each cane.
  
  
• Top Tips
• These thrive in warm conditions and so are an ideal crop to grow under protection - greenhouse or polytunnel.
• Whilst they will prove drought-tolerant, good watering from flowering time onwards will ensure maximum pod development.
• Mulch around the stems in early summer.