Name:  Phseolus vulgaris Maxibel – aka the Maxibel green bean

Type of Plant: A bush bean that produces haricot vert style beans, thin and tender.

Why I love this: Extremely productive plants (see photos) that are filled with 6 to 7 inches long beans. These beans are stringless and have great flavor.

A Word to the Wise: Pick green beans every two to three days when they start coming in, and be sure to harvest these early when they are thin. Don’t let them get lumpy with seeds because they aren’t nearly as tasty when that happens.

If you keep picking them these plants will continue to flower and produce beans. They slow down a bit in August, but you’ll be able to continue harvesting into early September if you harvest often.

Thin “French style” green beans abound on these plants in July.

If you want to feel wealthy, plant a couple of rows of Maxibel beans. Plant seeds – don’t expect to buy these as plants in most garden centers. Beans are EASY to grow from seeds.

Beans produce most in July, the same time the summer squash starts to come in.