How to Grow French Burgundy Filet Bean
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French Burgundy Filet Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
vegetableFrench Burgundy filet beans are a specialty snap bean variety characterized by their slender, tender pods and deep purple-burgundy color that often fades to green when cooked. These gourmet beans are prized for their delicate flavor and fine texture, making them a favorite in French cuisine. They are more tender and refined than standard snap beans and require attentive growing conditions.
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Example French Burgundy Filet Bean timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant French Burgundy Filet 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 French Burgundy Filet Bean
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-8; can be grown in zones 3-9 with proper timing
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout in 7-10 days. Seedlings emerge with cotyledons, developing first true leaves within 2 weeks.
Ensure soil temperature is 60°F minimum, ideally 65-75°F. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide full sun immediately upon emergence.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple true leaves and establishes root system. Bush or climbing growth pattern becomes evident; the plant is compact and leafy.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing (4 inches). Monitor for pests. Provide stake or trellis support if needed. Water consistently.
Flowering
2-3 weeksSmall white, pink, or purple flowers appear in clusters along stems. Flowers are delicate and short-lived, opening in morning and closing by afternoon.
Maintain even watering; inconsistent water causes flower drop. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer. Do not handle plants excessively. These beans are sensitive to temperature extremes during flowering.
Pod Development & Growth
2-3 weeksFertilized flowers develop into long, slender, burgundy-colored pods. Pods elongate rapidly and fill out over 10-14 days.
Continue consistent watering at soil level. Support heavy-bearing plants if necessary. Monitor for spider mites and other pests. These delicate beans are sensitive to heat stress above 85°F.
Harvest Readiness
3-4 weeks of productive harvestPods reach full slender length (6-8 inches) with tender texture. Pods should snap easily when bent; seeds inside are barely visible as small bumps.
Begin harvesting when pods reach 5-6 inches for peak tenderness and flavor. Harvest every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. Use both hands when picking to avoid damaging plant.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use sulfur dust or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity. These are especially problematic in hot, dry conditions.
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Hand-pick adults and egg clusters daily. Use row covers early in season. Apply neem oil or spinosad if infestation is severe.
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Spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Maintain good air circulation.
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Remove infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering. Ensure good air circulation. Use sulfur spray if needed.
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Spray with sulfur or baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water). Improve air circulation. Water at soil level only.
Uses
Gourmet Fresh Cooking & Fine Dining
CulinaryFrench filet beans are prized in haute cuisine and French cooking for their tender, delicate texture and refined flavor. They are best lightly sautéed with butter and garlic, steamed, or blanched to preserve their subtle taste and can elevate simple side dishes. [source]
Seasonal Farmers' Market Premium
CulinaryTheir distinctive burgundy color and superior tenderness command premium prices at farmers' markets. These specialty beans are considered a delicacy and are often unavailable in conventional supermarkets. [source]
Home Garden Specialty Crop
HouseholdGrowing filet beans allows home gardeners to access gourmet produce not commonly found commercially. They are rewarding to grow for the gardener willing to provide careful attention to watering and temperature management. [source]
Color Retention & Preservation
CulinaryThe anthocyanin pigments that create the burgundy color are water-soluble and largely disappear with cooking, but the tender texture remains superior. These beans are excellent for freezing and preserve well due to their fine structure. [source]
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Enrichment
WildlifeLike all beans, Phaseolus vulgaris forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, naturally enriching garden soil and reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizers in future crops. [source]
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when pods are 5-6 inches long and tender, approximately 50-60 days after planting. Harvest every 2-3 days while pods are young and slender for best flavor and texture. Pick in early morning when pods are crisp. Snap pods off gently using both hands to avoid damaging the plant. Filet beans are best enjoyed within a day or two of harvest, as they lose their delicate texture quickly. Regular harvesting encourages more pod production and extends the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 French filet beans are also called 'haricots verts' in French cuisine, and the finest examples come from the Brittany region of France. The 'filet' designation refers to their slender, string-less pod structure.
- 🌱 The burgundy pigmentation is due to anthocyanin compounds, the same antioxidants found in blueberries. This coloration typically fades to green during cooking, which is normal and does not indicate loss of quality.
- 🌱 These specialty beans are sensitive to both cold and heat extremes—they require soil temperatures above 60°F to germinate but can develop bitter flavors and reduce yields above 85°F, making them ideal for spring and early summer planting in most zones.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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