How to Grow Borlotto Evo Bean
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Borlotto Evo Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
vegetableBorlotto Evo is a modern bush bean variety bred from traditional Italian Borlotto beans, featuring attractive cream and burgundy-mottled pods and seeds. It's a determinate, compact plant that produces pods suitable for both fresh eating and dry storage. This variety offers improved disease resistance and earlier maturity compared to heritage Borlotto types.
When should you plant Borlotto Evo Bean in your zone?
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Example Borlotto Evo Bean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Borlotto Evo Bean
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Borlotto Evo Bean
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Borlotto Evo Bean dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; any frost-free location works well
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Seedling
7-10 daysCotyledons emerge and first true leaves develop; plant is low-growing and vulnerable.
Protect from slugs and cutworms. Ensure consistent moisture but avoid damping-off by not overwatering. Thin seedlings if needed to proper spacing.
Vegetative
15-20 daysBushy plant develops compound leaves; flowering buds form at leaf axils.
Maintain regular watering and light fertilization. Support with low trellising if needed for air circulation. Monitor for spider mites and bean leaf beetles.
Flowering
7-10 daysSmall white or pale flowers appear in clusters along the stems; plant reaches full height of 12-16 inches.
Reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive foliage at the expense of pods. Keep soil consistently moist during pod set. Avoid overhead watering.
Pod Development
20-30 daysYoung green pods with cream and burgundy mottling begin swelling; seeds develop inside.
Harvest green pods regularly to encourage continued production. For dry beans, allow pods to mature and change color. Apply light mulch to maintain even soil moisture.
Maturity/Harvest
Ongoing for fresh; 10-14 days curing for dryFor fresh: pods are full-sized, tender, and mottled; for dry: pods are fully colored, papery, and brittle.
Harvest green beans every 2-3 days for best quality. For dry beans, wait until pods are completely brown and seeds rattle inside; pull entire plant and dry in warm location.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers in early season; hand-pick adults; neem oil spray if infestation develops
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Increase humidity and air circulation; insecticidal soap; strong water spray to dislodge
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Remove and destroy infested pods; store dried beans in freezer for 7 days to kill larvae; use pheromone traps
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and
Copper barriers; diatomaceous earth; hand-pick at night; beer traps
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; avoid excess nitrogen
Uses
Italian Pasta Dishes & Soups
CulinaryBorlotto beans are a classic ingredient in Italian minestrone and pasta fagioli. Both fresh and dried beans have a creamy texture and nutty flavor ideal for these traditional dishes. [source]
Fresh Pod Snacking
CulinaryYoung Borlotto pods can be eaten raw or lightly steamed as a nutritious snack or salad addition, with a mild flavor and tender texture. [source]
Dry Bean Storage & Winter Cooking
CulinaryDried Borlotto beans store for over a year and provide a reliable protein source for winter soups, stews, and bean salads. [source]
Nutritional & Digestive Health
MedicinalBorlotto beans are rich in fiber, plant-based protein, iron, and polyphenols that support digestive health and provide sustained energy. [source]
Ornamental Garden Display
CraftThe attractive mottled pods and compact bushy form make Borlotto Evo visually appealing in kitchen gardens and edible landscapes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For fresh eating: Pick pods when young, tender, and fully mottled (2-3 inches long), typically 50-60 days after planting. Harvest every 2-3 days to promote continued flowering. For dry beans: Allow pods to fully mature on the plant until brown and papery (70-80 days), then pull entire plant, cure in a warm, dry location for 10-14 days, and shell beans by hand or by rubbing pods together. Store dried beans in a cool, dry place in airtight containers.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Borlotto beans have been cultivated in northeastern Italy (particularly the Veneto region) for centuries; 'Borlotto' comes from 'borlota,' an Italian word referring to their distinctive spotted appearance.
- 🌱 The mottled burgundy and cream pod color develops as the beans mature and becomes even more pronounced on the dried seed, making them visually striking when stored.
- 🌱 Borlotto Evo was developed as a modern improvement to heritage Borlotto varieties, offering better disease resistance (including rust and bean anthracnose) while maintaining the beloved flavor and culinary characteristics of the original strain.
Gardening Terms
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