Bean 'Italian Romano'
Out of Seed Savers' collection of 2000 beans, these are the favourite of farm manager, David Cavagnaro. Quickly gaining popularity in Australia, this wide, flat 12cm bean is delicious as a green bean and also provides the dry seeds that can be used in casseroles and soups.
These fast growing annuals should be direct sown or planted out after all risk of frost has passed. Pick daily for highest yields. Well drained, pH neutral to alkaline soil is ideal, as is the addition of potassium and bllod and bone. Mulch around your beans thoroughly- beans are shallow rooted and are easily damaged with close cultivation. Beans can be used fresh, they also freeze well or can be left on th eplant to develop large, dried seeds which can be used in soups and stews.