The Sutton is the dwarf variety of choice, ideal for smaller spaces and exposed winder sites.  Abundant crops of delicious 6in. pods are produced early in the season on sturdy bushy 12-16 inch high plants that effectively spread with a bushy habit.

Pods can be eaten whole when young or left to produce 4-5 tender beans per pod.

• Sow broad beans in October–November or February–March.
• Choose an open, sunny site with soil that was manured for a previous crop.
• Sow seeds 6cm deep and 20cm apart, either in large cells or directly into the ground.
• For best results, sow in double rows spaced 60cm apart.
• Weed regularly to reduce competition and improve airflow.
• For taller varieties, provide support using canes at each end of the row and put a string around the canes and plants, adding more levels as they grow.
• Watch for aphids when the first pods appear, pinch out the top 7cm of each plant to reduce infestation.
• Water during dry spells, especially when flowering and podding.
• Harvest when pods are fat and beans are visible but still tender. Avoid waiting too long, or beans will become tough.
• Pick regularly to encourage further pod development.
• Once cropping finishes, cut plants at the base, leaving roots in the soil to fix nitrogen for future crops.