Roma Improved

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In spring, once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in rows 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart. Make several sowings several weeks apart until the end of June to provide long continued harvests.

GROWING NOTES

Garden beans are an easy reliable crop to grow, but don’t plant seeds too early as cold conditions prevent good germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Birds are often attracted to young bean seedlings, so watch carefully and protect with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Avoid cultivating plants or picking pods when plants are wet.

HARVEST AND USE

Pick these rich-tasting, full-flavored Italian specialty beans often for fresh snap beans by harvesting before the beans swell in the pods. The more you pick, the more plants will produce. Roma Improved also freezes well. If you wait until harvest and the pods mature so the beans swell you can use Roma Improved as green shelling beans. A great variety to grow where summers are especially hot.