[Scribbler]

Hello – it’s been a while since I was on here
I’ve started cooking gigantes plaki, which is large Greek white beans in tomato sauce with onions and herbs.
They come dried so you have to soak overnight before cooking.
They’re like butter beans but much fatter, and are really tasty. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to grow these in the UK? Or will South Yorkshire be a bit chilly for them if they’re from somewhere hot and sunny?

[mumofstig]

Quite a few of us do 
Anne's in Bradford....
https://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=111743.msg1358994#msg1358994

[Scribbler]

I got my beans from a company called Agora Greek Delicacies, up in Scotland I think. A couple of 500g bags are on their way as we speak. I’ll hold some back for planting next year.
When’s the best time to start chitting them? I’ll start them off indoors and then put in small starter pots in an unheated greenhouse.

[Kleftiwallah]

Just back from a holiday in Kos and demolished a few plates while we were there.

Cheers,  Tony.

[mumofstig]

I got my beans from a company called Agora Greek Delicacies, up in Scotland I think. A couple of 500g bags are on their way as we speak. I’ll hold some back for planting next year.
When’s the best time to start chitting them? I’ll start them off indoors and then put in small starter pots in an unheated greenhouse.

At the same time you'd start your runner beans, just make sure they don't get planted out 'til after frosts. Cover with some fleece if the nights still look chilly.

[Growster...]

They're fabulous!

I found that you needed quite a few plants, as there were only two or three per pod, but well worth the effort!

[AnneB]

Quite a few of us do 
Anne's in Bradford....
https://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=111743.msg1358994#msg1358994

Yes I grow them every year with much success in Bradford.   Just beware if you want to save seed, you need to grow them well away from other runner beans with which they will cross.  You will be fine in South Yorkshire.
I got my original supply from Real Seeds.