[janeheritage]

Hello all.

I love butter beans and want to try growing some this year to go with my Borlotti. I have got some Italian seed (Franchi semelli Fagiolo di Spagna) and they surely look like butter beans. The packet's rather shaky English translation says they are big green runner beans. Do I just grow them like runners and let them get bigger and bigger until they are full of bean? Has anyone had any luck with them in the UK?

My allotment has light, fertile soil which can get a bit dry but most things grow well.

[paintedlady]

I've never grown butter beans but I understand they prefer warm/hot summers.  No harm in trying, and be a pioneer 

[janeheritage]

Hmm. Bean genealogy is confusing, but I think butter beans are called Lima Beans in the States and they usually grow in the South, where the summers are hot and wet. At least I can promise them the wet!  :blink:

I've sowed them now so will put them somewhere sheltered and report back.

Best all

[Jay Dubya]

Hi, i've never grown them ( i'd like to try ) but i would treat them like your barlotti beans and let them dry on the stem.

[zazen999]

I think they go white / yellow [whatever yours are] once the outside of the pod also turns....before that they are pretty much green.

[nothinghasdiedyet]

Hi Jane

If you still use the forum how did your attempt at growing these beans go I am going to give them a go this year so just thought I'd ask