Bush Beans Delinel

Bush Beans Delinel — Phaseolus vulgaris

Introductory summary

Bush Beans Delinel is an annual variety of Phaseolus vulgaris prized for its long, slender, stringless pods, combining high yield, delicate flavor and easy cultivation. Its compact, bushy habit makes it perfect for family vegetable gardens, deep containers and closely spaced rows. Pods remain crisp with brief cooking and retain texture and flavor after blanching and freezing, making them suitable for fresh dishes and long-term storage. Delinel requires minimal maintenance: a sunny site, well-drained humus-rich soil and regular moderate watering. As a legume, it contributes to soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, benefiting subsequent crops. The variety’s tolerance to variable weather and steady, staggered production reduce harvest peaks and simplify garden work. Suitable for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, Delinel offers reliable performance, excellent taste and straightforward processing for freezing or canning.

Origins and botanical family

Geographic origin

Selected within the broad heritage of common bean varieties, widely grown in European kitchen gardens for pod quality.

Botanical family

Belongs to the Fabaceae family, genus Phaseolus, legumes known for nitrogen fixation.

Historical and local notes

Valued for good storage qualities and suitability for processing (freezing, preserving).

Botanical description and characteristics

Mature height and habit

Bush type, typically 25–40 cm tall, compact habit; no staking required.

Foliage

Trifoliate green leaves that provide good ground cover and help suppress weeds.

Other morphological features

Pods 15–20 cm long, straight and very slender, stringless; seed color varies by line.

Sowing and growing conditions

Ideal sowing period

Direct sowing from May to July; in mild areas possible from April.

Germination temperature

Optimal between 18–25 °C.

Time to emergence

7–12 days depending on temperature and moisture.

Sowing depth and spacing

Sow 2–3 cm deep; space 8–12 cm between plants and 35–45 cm between rows.

Soil type

Light to medium textured soil, rich in organic matter, well drained; pH 6.0–7.0.

Exposure

Full sun for best yield and pod quality.

Thinning method

Thin 2–3 weeks after emergence: keep the strongest plant every 8–12 cm.

Water needs

Regular moderate watering; keep soil evenly moist during flowering and pod set, avoid waterlogging.

Maintenance and monitoring

Pruning or pinching

Not required; remove weak shoots to concentrate vigor.

Staking

Not necessary for this bush variety.

Disease and pest prevention

Practice crop rotation, mulch, water at the base, harvest frequently; encourage beneficial insects (ladybirds for aphids) and use barriers against slugs.

Harvest

Harvest time after sowing

Harvest from 60–75 days after sowing depending on conditions.

How to recognize maturity

Pick pods when they are shiny, firm and supple, before seeds swell and pods become fibrous.

Average yield

High, staggered yield over several weeks; suitable for home use and freezing.

Post-harvest handling

Consume fresh or blanch and freeze for long-term storage; can be jarred after brief cooking; refrigerate 2–3 days for immediate use.

Garden uses

Where to place in the vegetable patch

Plant at bed edges, in rows or in deep containers; suitable for small spaces.

Beneficial plant associations

Good companion with corn, squash, cabbage and herbs; legumes enrich soil for following crops.

Crop rotation advice

Avoid planting legumes on the same spot for 2–3 years; follow with nitrogen-demanding crops after adding compost.

Culinary uses

Flavor

Tender, slightly sweet flavor; crisp texture with short cooking.

Ways to cook or preserve

Stir-fry, steam, in salads, as a side dish; blanch and freeze for winter use.

Tip or typical recipe

Quick stir-fry: blanch 3 minutes, sauté 2 minutes in olive oil with garlic, lemon zest and sliced almonds.

Ecology, curiosities and strengths

Ecological interest

Supports biodiversity and soil fertility through nitrogen fixation; attracts beneficial insects.

Anecdote or curiosity

Chosen for its stringless pod, Delinel saves time in the kitchen by eliminating the need for stringing.

Permaculture, balcony or greenhouse culture

Suitable for permaculture systems, deep pots on balconies and early sowing in cold frames for early harvests.

Final note

Bush Beans Delinel earns a place in the garden for its balance of productivity and ease: slender, tasty pods, staggered harvests, low maintenance and excellent storage potential. A dependable choice for gardeners seeking flavor and yield.

(100 grams of seed wil be sufficient for about 30M sowing).