Phaseolus vulgaris 'Konstantin' – Strong pole bean with broad, round pods

The Phaseolus vulgaris Konstantin is a robust and high-yielding pole bean, beloved for its long, wide pods and versatile uses. While some beans are primarily suited to a single use, Konstantin excels in versatility: it can be eaten young as a fresh bean, processed as a French bean, and, once fully ripe, served as a dried bean. The dried beans have a striking brown color and keep well. For vegetable gardeners who want a high yield from a compact crop, Konstantin is an absolute must-have.

Large, high-quality, wireless pods

Konstantin is known for its robust pods, 22–25 cm long, wide, round, and completely stringless. This means they retain their tenderness even as they grow larger. When harvested young, the beans are tender, with a fresh flavor and a fine crunch—ideal for immediate cooking. Left to hang longer, the pods are excellent as French beans.

When the seeds ripen fully, they develop into firm, brown, dried beans suitable for storing and cooking later. This makes Konstantin an exceptionally versatile bean that can provide both a fresh harvest and a winter supply.

Strong growth and high production

One of Konstantin's key characteristics is its vigorous growth. This runner bean climbs quickly along stakes or netting and produces many pods per plant. This results in a substantial yield, even on a relatively small plot. This variety is therefore particularly suitable for vegetable gardeners with limited space but ambitious goals.

The long harvest period also contributes to the high production level: the harvest runs from late July to October, allowing for several weeks of fresh beans to be harvested. Regular picking encourages new flowering, further increasing yields.

Sowing and cultivation – simple but effective

Konstantin's sowing season runs from mid-May to the end of June. As soon as the soil has warmed sufficiently and the risk of night frost has passed, the beans can be sown directly outdoors. Because Konstantin is a pole bean, it needs support—a bean pole, bamboo stake, or climbing structure works perfectly.

Recommended sowing instructions:

• Row spacing: 100 cm

• Planting distance in the row: 40–60 cm

• Per stick: 6–8 organic bean seeds

As with most beans, fertilization is generally unnecessary. The plant fixes nitrogen from the air, thus nourishing both itself and the soil. However, it is important to avoid waterlogging; overly wet soil can cause root damage. Once the plants are established, lightly mounding the soil helps strengthen the root base and increase stability.

Versatile use in the kitchen

Konstantin offers a range of culinary options:

As a young bean:
Mild in flavour and excellent for cooking, steaming or stir-frying.

As a French bean:
The broad, round pods can be cut into thin strips and used in stews, stir-fries or summer dishes.

As a dried bean:
Once fully ripe, the beans can be dried, shelled, and stored. Dried beans are ideal for soups, stews, and as a protein-rich meat substitute.

This versatility means that Konstantin can be used all year round in the kitchen — first fresh from the garden, later as a durable stock.