French Horticultural Bush Bean

‘French Horticultural,’ also known as ‘October Bean,’ is a versatile bush bean prized for its dependable production, rich flavor, and usefulness as both a fresh shell bean and a dry bean. The beans are easy to shell, and the vigorous plants offer reliable performance with good disease resistance. Some plants may produce short runners that can benefit from light support.

Sow ‘French Horticultural’ directly in the garden about 1 inch deep after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Space plants about 2 inches apart and grow in full sun. Plants typically reach about 18 inches tall and grow primarily in a bush habit.

Ready to harvest in about 64 days for fresh shell beans, pick the 4- to 8-inch pods once the beans inside are plump but still tender. For dry beans, allow the pods to remain on the plants until fully mature and dry, typically around 90 days.

Flavorful, versatile, and easy to use, ‘French Horticultural’ is excellent for fresh cooking, canning, freezing, and drying for storage.