<p>(70 days) An improved version of the popular Northwest heirloom Oregon Giant. The long, thin, 20-30cm (8-12 in.), stringless pods have the characteristic scarlet and purple stripes. With a delayed climbing habit, there are initially more beans at the base of the plant. Approx. 75 beige and black seeds/oz.</p><p>CULTURE: Pole beans can be trained up rough poles or branches such as a fir pole with the bark still on. Set 6 seeds at the base of each one. Or build a trellis. Stretch 2 wires between 2 stout posts, one wire about 2m (7 ft.) above the ground and one near the ground. Then pass a rough cord (the twining habit is encouraged by the rough texture) from top to bottom, making a 'V' shaped trellis every 20cm (8 in.) along the wire. Sow the seeds mid-May to early June, 7-10cm (3-4 in.) apart and 3.5cm (11/2 in.) deep beneath the trellis. Leave 1m (3 ft.) between rows. Grow and fertilize like bush beans. <p>DISEASE: To avoid most problems water carefully to avoid wetting the leaves; remove the dead plants completely at the end of the summer; rotate your crops (root crops in this bed last year, potatoes next year). <p>HARVEST: Because pole beans are always climbing, there are always beans at different stages of maturity. It is important to keep picking regularly to increase the yield. <p>SEED SPEC: Mimimun germination standard: 80%. Days to emergence: 8-16 depending on soil warmth. Days to maturity from planting date. 28g (1 ounce) sows about 6m (17 ft.) of row. Usual seed life: 2 years.</p><p>For the richest bean flavour and probably the highest nutrition, we grow pole beans. The trouble of trellising them is more than repaid by the ease of picking and their extended harvest.</p>
