Phaseolus vulgaris 'Crockett' – dark green, fine and stringless runner bean

Phaseolus vulgaris , commonly known as French bean or green bean, is an annual climbing plant beloved for its tender pods and high flavor. The 'Crockett' variety is distinguished by its dark green, fine, stringless pods of about 12 cm, an early harvest, and continuous production until October.

Awarded “Bean of the Year” in France, Crockett combines excellent flavor with disease resistance, making it an excellent choice for both home and professional gardeners looking to grow reliable, flavorful beans.

Description and features

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Crockett' is a high-yielding and robust runner bean with striking characteristics:

• Pods: Dark green, about 12 cm long, very tender and stringless, ideal for immediate consumption or freezing.

• Growth: Early maturing and continues to grow, allowing new beans to be harvested until October.

• Resistances: Resistant to bean mosaic virus (BCMV), bean rust and grease spot, ensuring healthy plants and a reliable harvest.

• Decorative: The dark green, evenly sized pods also add visual value to the vegetable garden.

The combination of flavor, productivity, and resilience makes Crockett a versatile and reliable bean for any garden.

Cultivation and care

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Crockett' is easy to grow with the right care:

• Sowing: Sow indoors in pots in mid-April; this helps prevent bean moth and gives an early start.

• Direct sowing: From May to July, depending on the frost-free period.

• Sowing methods:

  • In rows: 8–10 cm between seeds, 40 cm between rows.

  • Clump sowing: 4–5 seeds per spot on 40 x 30 cm.

• Position: Full sun and well-drained, fertile soil; sheltered from cold winds.

• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods; avoid waterlogging and wet tillage.

• Fertilization: Usually not necessary, beans fix nitrogen from the air.

• Support: For climbing varieties, stakes or trellis are recommended.

• Hilling up: Later hilling up supports strong plants and increases productivity.

• Harvest: From July to October; regular harvesting encourages new pods.

With this care, 'Crockett' will produce a continuous harvest of tender, tasty pods throughout the growing season.

Culinary applications

The pods of 'Crockett' are harvested young, tender and aromatic:

• Preparation: Boil, steam, stir-fry or wok; ideal for fresh consumption.

• Storage: Pods can be frozen for later use.

• Nutritional value: Rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals; a healthy addition to salads, stews or side dishes.

The combination of stringless pods, robust growth and excellent flavour makes Crockett a valuable addition to any vegetable garden.

Benefits and applications

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Crockett' offers several advantages:

1. Early maturing and productive – harvest new pods until October.

2. Culinary – dark green, stringless pods of high taste quality.

3. Resistant – resistant to bean mosaic virus, bean rust and grease spot.

4. Decorative – uniformly green and attractive for vegetable gardens and greenhouses.

5. Easy to grow – suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.

These properties make Crockett ideal for vegetable gardens, organic gardens and decorative balcony projects.