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How to Grow Haricot Bean 'Soissons'

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Haricot Bean 'Soissons'

Phaseolus vulgaris 'Soissons'

vegetable

Soissons is a classic French heirloom dry bean variety known for its large, white, kidney-shaped seeds and creamy texture when cooked. This bush bean variety produces abundant yields and has been cultivated in the Soissons region of France for centuries. It's prized by chefs and home gardeners for its superior flavor and culinary qualities.

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Example Haricot Bean 'Soissons' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Haricot Bean 'Soissons'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Haricot Bean 'Soissons'

    Around Jul 16

    ≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Haricot Bean 'Soissons' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum
💧
Water: Moderate and consistent moisture; aim for 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and pod development. Reduce watering as plants mature for dry bean harvest.
📏
Spacing: 4 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 90-100 days for dry beans
🌱
Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Aged compost Well-rotted manure (apply before planting) Balanced fertilizer (avoid excessive nitrogen)

Growing Zones

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Zones 5-8 are ideal; can grow in zones 3-9 with proper timing

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Seedling

1-2 weeks

Seeds sprout and develop first true leaves within 7-10 days. Seedlings are tender with two cotyledons and emerging compound leaves.

Ensure consistent soil moisture but avoid waterlogging. Provide full sun. Keep soil temperature above 60°F for best germination (70-80°F ideal). Thin seedlings if planted densely.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple branches and leaflets. Compact bush form establishes, reaching 12-18 inches tall. Foliage is dark green and increasingly dense.

Maintain consistent moisture and full sun exposure. Apply balanced fertilizer if soil is poor. Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes foliage over pods. Monitor for early pest pressures.

3

Flowering & Pod Formation

3-4 weeks

Small, pale yellow or white flowers appear in clusters. Flowers self-pollinate and quickly develop into long, slender green pods containing developing beans.

Maintain even soil moisture during this critical stage to prevent pod drop. Provide consistent sunlight. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease. Support plants if needed with light staking.

4

Mature Green to Dry Pods

4-6 weeks

Pods transition from green to yellow-brown as beans inside develop. Pods dry and become papery; beans inside harden and rattle when shaken.

Reduce watering gradually to encourage drying. Allow plants to dry in field for 2-4 weeks after pods yellow. If weather is wet, pull entire plants and hang indoors to dry completely.

5

Harvest & Curing

1-2 weeks for final curing

Pods are completely dry and brittle. Seeds have hardened to their final size and color (white with slight kidney shape).

Harvest when pods are completely dry and brown. Shell beans by hand or thresh plants. Spread beans on screens in dry location for final curing (1-2 weeks). Store in airtight containers.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Corn Squash Pumpkin Cucumber Melon Carrot Beet Chard Marigold Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Kohlrabi Onion Garlic Leek Chive Tomato

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick beetles and egg clusters daily. Use row covers early season. Apply neem oil or spinosad if infestation is severe. Rotate crops yearly.

  • Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs. Plant companion flowers to attract natural predators.

  • Maintain leaf humidity with misting. Use miticide spray if severe. Remove heavily infested leaves. Improve air circulation.

  • Store harvested beans in cool, dry conditions. Freeze beans for 7 days post-harvest to kill insects. Use food-grade diatomaceous earth in storage containers.

  • Improve air circulation with proper spacing. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Remove affected leaves.

Uses

🍳

Classic French Cuisine

Culinary

Soissons beans are a cornerstone of French cooking, used in cassoulet, bean soups, and stews. Their creamy texture and mild, delicate flavor make them ideal for both rustic and refined dishes. [source]

🍳

Protein-Rich Staple

Culinary

Packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals, dry Soissons beans provide complete nutrition when combined with grains. They can be stored long-term for year-round use. [source]

🏠

Food Storage & Preservation

Household

Properly dried and stored Soissons beans remain viable for 3-5 years, making them excellent for food security and emergency supplies. They require minimal processing and can be canned or frozen. [source]

💊

Nutritional Health Benefits

Medicinal

Soissons beans contain polyphenols and resistant starch that support digestive health and blood sugar regulation. Regular consumption is associated with improved cholesterol profiles and sustained energy. [source]

🎨

Seed Saving Heritage Variety

Craft

As a stable, open-pollinated heirloom, Soissons beans can be easily saved for next year's crop, supporting seed sovereignty and connection to culinary tradition. [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 dry beans, allow pods to mature fully on the plant. Harvest when pods are completely dry and brown, typically 90-100 days after planting. Pods should rattle when shaken. Cut or pull entire plant and hang upside-down in a dry location to finish drying. Shell beans by hand or thresh with a wooden flail. For fresh shelling beans, harvest when pods are full but still slightly green (around 70-75 days), shell, and use fresh or preserve.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The Soissons variety originates from the Soissons region in northern France, where it has been cultivated for over a century and remains a protected culinary treasure in French gastronomy.
  • 🌱 Soissons beans are the traditional bean of choice in authentic French cassoulet from southwest France, prized because they hold their shape and develop a luxurious creamy texture without breaking apart.
  • 🌱 Like all beans, Soissons fixes nitrogen from the air into the soil through root nodules, making it an excellent cover crop that naturally enriches garden soil for subsequent plantings.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Germination Heirloom True Leaves
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