Grow Dwarf French Bean ‘Yin Yang’ – An Heirloom Favourite for Gardeners and Cooks
Grow Dwarf French Bean ‘Yin Yang,’ an heirloom variety loved for its striking black-and-white seeds that resemble the Yin Yang symbol. Also known as ‘Calypso’ or ‘Orca’ bean, this unique plant has been grown for generations and is perfect for home gardeners. It offers both visual appeal and practicality, producing tender green pods for fresh eating and ornamental dried beans for winter use. With its compact habit, ‘Yin Yang’ fits beautifully into small gardens, allotments, or even containers, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels.
Growing Conditions
‘Yin Yang’ beans grow best in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or organic matter. A sunny, sheltered spot is essential for healthy plants and plentiful harvests. As beans are sensitive to frost, wait until all risk of frost has passed and the soil is warm—around 12°C—before planting.
Planting Guide
- Sowing Indoors: Start seeds indoors in late April. Plant one seed 2.5 cm deep in small pots filled with seed compost, keeping them at a temperature of 15–20°C. Germination usually takes 7–14 days. Once seedlings are 3–4 weeks old and the frost risk has passed, harden them off before planting outdoors.
- Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly outdoors from late May. Plant two seeds together at a depth of 5 cm, spacing pairs 25 cm apart. After germination, thin out the weaker seedling, leaving one strong plant. If planting in rows, space them 45 cm apart for easy access and airflow.
- Spacing: Ensure plants are 20 cm apart with rows spaced 60 cm apart. This gives the beans room to grow and ensures good airflow around the plants.
Care & Maintenance
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during dry periods, to support healthy growth. Adding a mulch layer around the base helps retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Feeding: Improve the soil before planting with compost or well-rotted manure. Once the plants start to flower, feed them with a high-potash liquid fertiliser to encourage more pods.
- Weeding: Keep the growing area weed-free to ensure the beans have access to all the nutrients and water they need.
Harvesting & Storage
- Fresh Beans: Pick young, tender pods regularly to encourage the plants to produce more. Harvesting green pods at their peak ensures the best flavour and texture.
- Dried Beans: Leave pods on the plant until they are dry and the beans rattle inside. If the weather turns wet, bring the plants indoors to dry. Once fully dried, remove the beans and store them in a cool, dry place for use in winter recipes.
Culinary Uses
Dwarf French Bean ‘Yin Yang’ is as versatile in the kitchen as it is in the garden. The fresh pods are perfect for steaming, sautéing, or adding to salads and stir-fries. The dried beans, with their creamy texture and mild flavour, are excellent in soups, stews, and casseroles. Their eye-catching appearance also makes them a decorative ingredient in hearty winter dishes.
Historical Appeal
As an heirloom variety, ‘Yin Yang’ has a rich history of being passed down through generations. Its unique seeds and dual-purpose nature have made it a favourite for gardeners and cooks alike. Whether you’re growing for fresh beans or ornamental dried seeds, ‘Yin Yang’ is a standout addition to any garden.
