Grow Climbing French Bean ‘Cobra’ Organic – The Easy Way to Enjoy Sweet, Tender Beans

Looking for a simple and rewarding vegetable to grow at home? Climbing French Bean ‘Cobra’ Organic is perfect for gardeners of all levels. This variety produces loads of long, stringless pods bursting with fresh, sweet flavour. With its beautiful mauve flowers and natural climbing habit, ‘Cobra’ adds charm to any garden while making the most of vertical space. Whether you’re growing in a small plot, allotment, or container, this reliable bean is a great choice for abundant summer harvests.

Growing Conditions

‘Cobra’ grows best in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost or organic matter added. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot where the plants can thrive. Beans are sensitive to frost, so wait until the risk has passed and the soil is warm—at least 12°C—before planting.

Planting Guide

• Sowing Indoors: Start seeds indoors in mid-April. Sow 2 cm deep in small pots filled with seed compost and keep them warm. Seedlings will usually appear in 7–10 days. Once the plants are strong and the frost risk has passed, harden them off before planting them outside.
• Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors from late May to July, planting them 5 cm deep and spacing them 25 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart.
• Supporting Growth: Use bamboo canes, trellises, or netting to support the plants. ‘Cobra’ grows up to 1.8 metres tall, making it ideal for vertical growing in small spaces.

Care & Maintenance

• Watering: Water consistently, especially in dry weather, to keep the soil evenly moist. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
• Feeding: Prepare the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Once flowers appear, use a liquid feed high in potassium to encourage pod development.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to ensure your plants get all the water and nutrients they need to thrive.

Harvesting & Storage

Start picking beans when they are around 10–15 cm long and still tender. Regular harvesting encourages the plants to keep producing pods throughout the season. Beans are best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Alternatively, blanch and freeze them for use later.

Culinary Uses

Climbing French Bean ‘Cobra’ is a versatile addition to your kitchen. Its sweet flavour and crisp texture make it perfect for steaming, boiling, or stir-frying. Add it to salads, casseroles, or serve as a simple side dish. To retain their vibrant colour and crunch, cook beans briefly until just tender.