Phaseolus vulgaris 'Maxi' – Early-maturing, high-yielding green bean

Phaseolus vulgaris Maxi is an exceptionally productive green bean, ideal for gardeners looking for an early-maturing variety with easy harvesting. This variety stands out for its dark green, round-oval pods, approximately 20 cm long, which are stringless, fleshy, and very tender. Thanks to their cluck-type growth, the pods rise above the foliage, making harvesting easy and efficient. Maxi is versatile: suitable for fresh consumption, canning, and freezing.

Early maturing and easy to harvest

One of Maxi's major advantages is its early harvest. The plants quickly produce firm pods, ensuring an early and abundant harvest from June to September. The pods hang visibly above the leaves, making picking faster and reducing the risk of damage to the plant.

These features make Maxi ideal for both home gardeners and small growers who want to harvest efficiently without the hassle of leaves or dense bushes.

Dark green, fleshy and wireless

Maxi produces dark green pods that are round-oval in shape and have a fleshy, tender texture. The pods are stringless, meaning they remain tender during cooking and don't develop tough strings. The seeds are brown when fully ripe, making Maxi also suitable for use as a dried bean. This versatility makes Maxi a true all-rounder for the vegetable garden.

Pre-sowing and sowing in the garden

To get an early start and avoid potential bean moth infestation, Maxi can be sown indoors in pots from mid-April. Sowing outdoors can be done directly in the final location from May to July.

Sowing distances:

• Row cropping: 8–10 cm between seeds, 40 cm between rows

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

As with most beans, fertilization is usually unnecessary, as the plant can fix nitrogen from the air. It is important, however, to avoid waterlogging and wet tillage. Later topdressing encourages a strong root base and contributes to a high yield.

Disease resistant and productive

Maxi is very healthy and relatively resistant to common bean diseases. The plants remain healthy and productive, even under less-than-ideal weather conditions. This results in a reliable harvest throughout the season, making the variety attractive to both novice and experienced gardeners.

Harvest and culinary uses

The harvest period runs from June to September, depending on sowing time and weather conditions. Regular picking encourages new pods, increasing the total yield.

Culinary applications of Maxi:

• Boil or steam briefly for a soft, full flavour

• Ideal for salads, stir-fries and summer dishes

• Suitable for blanching and freezing for later use

• Can also be used as a dried bean when the seeds are fully ripe

Thanks to the round-oval, fleshy, pods, Maxi is a perfect choice for gardeners looking for versatility and high quality in one variety.