French Bean Borlotto Lingua di Fuoco Seeds
French Bean Borlotto Lingua di Fuoco is a striking and traditional Italian variety, prized for its beautiful red-speckled pods and richly flavoured beans. The name translates as tongue of fire, referring to the dramatic red streaks on cream-coloured pods.
This versatile bean can be harvested young as a fresh pod or left to mature for its distinctive cream and red speckled beans, which are excellent for cooking in soups, stews, and Italian-style dishes. As the beans develop, the pods fade in colour, revealing the mature seeds inside.
Productive and easy to grow, Borlotto Lingua di Fuoco is a rewarding crop for gardens and allotments, offering both ornamental appeal and culinary versatility.
Key Features
Traditional Italian borlotti bean variety
Attractive pods with red flame-like markings
Can be eaten fresh or as dried beans
Produces distinctive speckled beans
Excellent for soups, stews, and Mediterranean dishes
Productive and easy to grow
Suitable for gardens and allotments
How to Grow French Bean Borlotto Lingua di Fuoco
Sow seeds directly outdoors from May to June, once all risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
Sow seeds around 35 cm deep, spacing plants 2025 cm apart in rows spaced 4560 cm apart.
Grow in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Depending on the strain (dwarf or climbing), provide support if required.
Water regularly during dry periods, especially during flowering and pod development.
Harvest pods young for fresh use, or allow them to mature fully for shelling beans.
Care Tips
Harvest regularly for fresh pods to encourage continued production
Allow pods to fully mature for dry beans
Keep soil moist during flowering for best yields
Grow in warm conditions for optimal performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Borlotto beans be eaten fresh?
Yes they can be harvested young as pods or left to mature for beans.
What do the beans taste like?
They have a rich, nutty flavour, ideal for cooking.
Do they need support?
Some types climb, so support may be needed depending on the variety.
Are they easy to grow?
Yes they are reliable and beginner-friendly.
Perfect For
Garden and allotment growing
Italian and Mediterranean cooking
Fresh pods and dried beans
Decorative vegetable gardens
Beginner and experienced growers
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