BEAN - ROCQUENCOURT

Organic French Dwarf Yellow Rocquencourt

    10 Seeds Pack    

The yellow bush French bean Rocquencourt, named after the farming village near Versailles, France, has been a beloved variety across Europe since its commercial cultivation began in the 1930s. A descendant of an old Algerian strain, it is easily recognized by its distinctive black seeds. The pods are long and slender, tapering at the ends and measuring 10 to 15 centimeters. Their cornflower-yellow color is complemented by a thin, velvety skin with a satin finish and a faintly waxy texture. Inside, the smooth, slightly spongy pod houses multiple light green beans. When fresh, Rocquencourt beans offer a mildly grassy aroma, with a flavour that combines subtle grassy notes, a touch of tartness, and hints of natural saltiness.

This variety matures quickly, producing beans in as little as 55 days. For the best flavour and productivity, harvest the pods when they’re no thicker than a pencil, as frequent picking stimulates further growth. 

PLANTING & GROWING

Soak Dwarf French bean seeds for a few hours, preferably overnight, before planting to improve germination. If starting seeds indoors, disinfect all plastic grow trays, seed cells, and tray covers to prevent damping off. These compact plants, which grow to about 60 cm (24 in) tall, do not require staking like runner beans or peas. They are easy to grow, tolerate dry conditions well, and enrich the soil with nitrogen, leaving it in excellent condition after harvesting. French beans are best picked young, with the entire tender green pod cooked and eaten.

Dwarf French beans can also be grown in pots. Choose containers at least 45 cm (18 in) in diameter with adequate drainage holes. Use a mix of equal parts loam-based and loam-free compost. The seeds germinate best at temperatures between 18–25°C and in soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Ensure the soil contains sufficient phosphorus and potassium, as beans naturally fix nitrogen. Crop rotation is essential; avoid planting beans or other Fabaceae family members in the same area more than once every three years.

Sow seeds 5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) deep and space them 15–23 cm (6–9 in) apart, depending on the variety. For open ground, space single rows 45 cm (18 in) apart or double rows 23 cm (9 in) apart, with 60 cm (2 ft) between double rows. In raised beds, where walking space isn’t needed, rows can be spaced uniformly at 23 cm (9 in) apart. Water plants frequently, especially when seed pods are setting and swelling, and remove any yellowing leaves to maintain plant health.

Dwarf French beans mature in about 60 days and should be picked daily, early in the morning, for the best flavour. Harvest them before the bean seeds become visible inside the pod. These beans are self-pollinating, meaning they do not rely on bees or other insects for fruit production, although pollinators may visit the flowers for nectar.

Interplanting dwarf beans with potatoes works well, as the beans can be planted along the outside of the rows after the potatoes have been weeded and hilled. As the potato plants die back, the beans help shade and cool the soil. Additionally, planting dwarf French beans near tomatoes can improve air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.

Good Companions: Carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, melons, peas, radishes, turnips, sweetcorn, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, and kale.

Plants to Avoid: Hyssop, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or turnips.