Borlotti beans

[Containergardener]

This is the first time I've had success (they are dwarf ones). How do I know when they are ready?

[Nicos]

I used to leave mine on the plant to dry out.

[ameno]

Let them dry on the plant. The dry ones are ready to pick once the seeds rattle inside the pod (if we get wet weather just pick them once they are fully brown, as they'll never dry out enough to rattle in the rain).
Once you pick them, they need shelling and laying out in a single layer for further drying indoors. They are ready to pack away when they are hard enough that you cannot dent them with a fingernail.

[smallblueplanet]

We pick ours fresh, and eat some and freeze the rest. Ours were the dwarf variety too.

[Containergardener]

I wondered about fresh as that's what I'd been thinking to do.
Was probably you that suggested the dwarf sbp. I've been pleased with them.
How do you know when they're ready?

[smallblueplanet]

I wondered about fresh as that's what I'd been thinking to do.
Was probably you that suggested the dwarf sbp. I've been pleased with them.
How do you know when they're ready?

Not sure, the OH picks them But when they are 'feel-able' as beans and before the pods start to dry out? Even then if there's a few beans that aren't as fresh, but aren't totally dry, we use them first but might still freeze some of them. Just because we haven't grown that many - couple of kg - and have room, and also because of being unsure on when they're totally dried and getting it wrong. It's just easier for us.
Oh and I think they taste better than dried beans rehydrated.

[Containergardener]

Thanks smallblueplanet

[Andraste]

If you want to store as dry beans they do rattle in the pods (my gigantes did last year) by which time the pods generally look pretty brown. If you're looking to eat fresh or freeze then gauge them like you would broadies or if in doubt pick 1 pod & have a look inside (that's what I normally end up doing). x

[Vince G]

Mine were rubbish this year. Old seed I reckon, only about 30 pods, so barely enough for one chilli con carne!

[Containergardener]

Mine were rubbish this year. Old seed I reckon, only about 30 pods, so barely enough for one chilli con carne!

I haven't many Vince because I didn't.know if they would do so good right up here in the wilds. I would do them again though.