[tinshed]

Hello everyone

Does anyone of you know whether or how butter beans can be grown in this country?

[supersprout]

Yes! These are Greek butter bean (Gigantes) - bought from a Greek supermarket. We tried them for the first time last year; sown in May, transplanted June, on our Peterborough allotment. Harvested late October. See also a range of varieties at www.beansandherbs.co.uk



We had a good crop (front tray), and they're a doddle to shell. We'll grow them every year now



Older veg gardening books often state that Butter Beans/Lima Beans need heat and a long season and can't be grown in the UK. However, I found that they grow well outdoors in my part of the country - I've even read posts by people who've grown them in polytunnels and will plant outdoors next time. Sign of the times :?

[tinshed]

Thanks Supersprout.  Will experiment this year.

[GrannieAnnie]

One of the lads on here sent me some Florida butter beans (was it you Jake?  or Shaun?) brain's going in me old age!!  They were behind my runner beans so didn't do well, but I've got 16 seeds for this year and will try again giving them more room and light.  I've also got some butter beans from the market for stews and am going to try some of them, both outside and in the polytunnel

[shaun]

make a good carp bait sprout.
wasnt me granny must have been jake

[GrannieAnnie]

sorry Shaun, last spring seems a lifetime away, and the brain's getting old!!!

[Clodagh & Dick]

Even here in spain they need a long growing season.Sown in may we harvest september to november. Ends of flowers ned pricking out . Grown on a tunnel cane support that you can walk under to harvest as many pods are in the foliage.