Fortex Filet Bean

Gold-standard green bean with superior flavour, tenderness, and productivity.

Trellis required. Gourmet "filet" bean developed in France at the National Institute of Agricultural Research. Harvest pods at 6–7" for a gourmet experience; larger pods remain stringless and excellent. Climbing bean, trellis required. Délicieux! 

Growing: DIrect seed (recommended) or transplant (if weather conditions require). Direct seeding: Sow 1" deep, spaced 1-2" apart in a row, once weather and soil have warmed up.

Transplant: Sow 1" deep with bottom heat, such as a heat mat. Transplant as young as possible to avoid damaging roots. Harden off.

Growing tips: Start once the chance of frost is over and the weather has warmed up. Well-draining soil is best. Fortext is a pole bean, and under good conditions, the vines will climb 8-10' high. Provide long poles or a sturdy trellis for climbing. Once it starts producing, harvest frequently, every 2-3 days, for a continual supply of thin filet beans. Inoculate with a pea-bean inoculant to facilitate the plant's nitrogen fixation (free fertilizer!) 

Dry growing (growing without watering or minimal watering): With sufficient moisture, Fortex will continuously produce from around mid-summer to fall. If keeping it watered this long will be a challenge, there are a few possible approaches possible. First, apply standard dry growing practices: increase plant spacing, plant as early as possible, remove all weeds quickly, lightly mulch soil to reduce evaporation, use a windbreak to keep warm winds from drying the plants. Second, grow the plants as quickly as possible while there is still good soil moisture. Fertilize lightly to give plants an early boost. Use row cover or greenhouse plastic to speed early growth; remove once the weather is really warm. Transplanting will save growing time in the field, so consider starting them as transplants and putting them out when young.