French Bean 'Borlotto Lingua di Fuoco Nano' – Seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris)

The Borlotto Lingua di Fuoco Nano (Dwarf Firetongue Bean) is a stunning variety of French bean, prized for its vibrant red-streaked pods and delicious, creamy beans. Compact and easy to grow, this dwarf type requires no staking, making it ideal for smaller gardens, allotments, and containers. Both pods and shelled beans can be enjoyed fresh or dried for winter use.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds outdoors from late May to July after the last frost.

• Plant 3–5 cm deep, 15–20 cm apart, in rows 45 cm apart.

• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Harvest pods when young for eating fresh, or allow to mature for drying.

Key Features

• Striking red-streaked pods with creamy beans inside

• Dwarf habit – no staking required

• Delicious fresh or dried for storage

• High-yielding and reliable cropper

• Compact plants perfect for small spaces

Ideal For

• Kitchen gardens and allotments

• Container growing

• Traditional Italian dishes

• Freezing or drying for winter use

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: May to July

• Depth: 3–5 cm

• Spacing: 15–20 cm

• Harvest: July to September

Quick Tip

• For the best flavor, harvest pods while still slightly immature, or let them mature fully for drying and storing.