French Bean Seeds

French Bean Seeds

French beans, also known as green beans, kidney beans, and haricot beans in the UK, are among the oldest cultivated crops in the world, grown for more than 7,000 years. Today, they remain a favourite in vegetable gardens thanks to their delicious flavour, versatility in the kitchen and impressive nutritional value.

They’re also incredibly easy to grow, making them perfect for beginners, and a brilliant way to get children excited about gardening. French beans germinate quickly, grow fast and produce generous harvests that are fun to pick, and even better to eat straight from the plant.

Gardeners typically choose between dwarf French bean seeds, which produce compact bushy plants around 45cm tall, and climbing French beans, which can reach up to 2 metres and will need canes or supports. Both types are productive, reliable and ideal for gardens, allotments, raised beds or containers.
French Bean Seeds French Bean Seeds

Explore Our French Bean Seeds Collection

Our range of French bean seeds has been carefully selected for flavour, reliability and ease of growing. Whether you’re looking for RHS Award of Garden Merit varieties, traditional heritage beans or something a little different like purple‑podded types, you’ll find everything you need to grow a delicious crop.

Choose from:

  • Dwarf French bean seeds for compact, tidy plants that don’t require staking.
  • Climbing French beans for abundant harvests and vertical interest in the garden.
  • Heritage varieties with exceptional flavour and interesting histories.
  • Colourful beans, including purple and yellow varieties, are perfect for adding interest to your plot.

And if you need peat‑free compost, pots, trays or bean supports, you’ll find all the essentials in our Tool Shed.

Order Your French Bean Seeds Online Today

French beans are simple and rewarding to grow. Start by sowing seeds in small pots indoors and grow them on before planting out into their final position in borders, veg beds or containers, usually from late May to June, once the weather has warmed.

They thrive in rich, fertile soil, so it’s worth adding compost or well‑rotted manure before planting. If you’re growing climbing beans, put your supports - canes, poles or netting - in place at the same time as planting your young plants.

Prefer to direct sow? Simply wait until the soil is warm and all risk of frost has passed, typically around June. Direct‑sown beans often catch up quickly and produce excellent crops.

Browse our full selection of French bean seeds and order today for fast delivery. And for more growing advice, take a look at our guides to help your beans get off to the best possible start.