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Beans · Phaseolus vulgaris 'Maxibel'

French Filet Bean Maxibel

French Filet Bean Maxibel: 60-70 days to harvest, 7-10 days to germinate, 4-6 inches between plants, pH 6.0-7.0, hardy in zones 2-11. Fruit runs to about 6-7 inches long, very slender. Give it full sun (6+ hours) and 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture water. Because this is a hybrid, seed saved from it will not repeat the parent — plan on fresh seed each year.

Beans
60-70days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Moderatedifficulty
F1 hybrid

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil is 60°F or warmer. Provide tall, sturdy support structure.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained loam with high organic matter
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
4-6 inches
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green pods
Size
6-7 inches long, very slender
Shape
Ultra-thin, straight, round pods
Flavour
Delicate, sweet, tender with refined flavor

In the kitchen

Gourmet fresh eating, light steaming, sautéing with butter, elegant side dishes. Best harvested when pencil-thin.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Bean leaf beetle, aphids, spider mites, thrips
Diseases
Bacterial blight, white mold, rust, powdery mildew
Resistance
Good resistance to common bean mosaic and anthracnose

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustSeptember
3——June – JulySeptember – October
4——June – JulyAugust – October
5——May – JuneAugust – October
6——May – JuneAugust – September
7——April – JuneJuly – September
8——April – MayJuly – August
9——March – AprilJune – July
10——February – AprilMay – July
11——January – MarchApril – June
12——January – MarchApril – June
13——January – MarchApril – June

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

MarigoldRepels bean beetles, aphids, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
NasturtiumActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, repels bean beetles
CarrotsLoosens soil for bean roots, beans fix nitrogen for carrots
RadishesBreaks up compacted soil, deters bean root fly, quick harvest before beans mature
Summer SavoryRepels bean beetles and aphids, may improve bean flavor and growth
CornProvides natural trellis support, beans fix nitrogen for corn
LettuceUtilizes space efficiently, beans provide partial shade, shallow roots don't compete
RosemaryRepels bean beetles, carrot flies, and cabbage moths

Avoid

OnionsInhibits bean growth and nitrogen fixation through root secretions
GarlicStunts bean growth and interferes with nitrogen-fixing bacteria
SunflowerAllelopathic compounds inhibit bean germination and growth

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
1.97
Fat (g)
0.275
Carbohydrate (g)
7.41
Fibre (g)
3.01
Vitamin K (µg)
43.9
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.121
Calcium (mg)
40
Iron (mg)
0.652
Magnesium (mg)
28.2
Phosphorus (mg)
41.2
Potassium (mg)
290
Zinc (mg)
0.35
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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the beans growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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