When is the Best Time to Grow French Beans?

French beans, also known as snap or green beans, and locally in Kenya as miciri or mishiri, are gaining popularity in the country due to their high nutritional value and lucrative market prospects.

These beans are not only a nutritious food source for local consumption but also hold great potential for the export market. With the right growing conditions and management, French beans can be a high-yielding and profitable crop.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow French beans in Kenya.

Best time to Grow French Beans

The best time to grow French beans in Kenya is during the long rains, which usually fall from March to May. However, French beans can also be grown during the short rains, which usually fall from October to December. With irrigation, French beans can be grown throughout the year.

Best Growing Areas

French beans thrive in warm and wet regions of Kenya, such as:

  • Thika

  • Machakos

  • Uasin Gishu

  • Kisumu

  • Narok

  • Nyeri

  • Parts of Kajiado County

  • Western Kenya

  • Naivasha

  • Murang’a

  • Kirinyaga

Ideal Growing Conditions for French Beans

French beans thrive in specific ecological conditions, which include suitable temperature, altitude, rainfall, and soil. Understanding these requirements is crucial for successful French bean farming.

Temperature

The optimal growing temperature for French beans ranges between 20-25°C. However, they can survive in temperatures ranging from 14-32°C, depending on the variety. Extremely high temperatures may result in poor flower development and pod set.

Altitude

French beans grow well within an altitude range of 1000 to 2100 meters above sea level. They tend to mature faster in warmer areas.

Rainfall

For rain-fed cultivation, well-distributed annual rainfall of between 900-1200mm is suitable. However, irrigation should be implemented if rainfall is inadequate. Excessive rainfall during flowering may cause flower abortion and increased disease incidences.

Soil

French beans thrive in well-drained soils rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH of 6.5-7.5. They can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loam, and clay soils.

Best French Bean Varieties in Kenya

There are several varieties of French beans available in Kenya, each with its own characteristics and suitability for specific growing conditions. Some of the popular varieties include:

  • Samantha

  • Boston (Goal)

  • Star

  • Moonstone

  • Serengeti

  • Amy

  • Belcampo

  • Julia

  • Paulista

  • Rexas

  • Lomami

  • Hawaii

  • Morgan

  • Pekera

  • Picasso

  • Buffalo

  • Tokai

  • Teresa

  • Gloria

  • Cupvert

  • Seagull

  • Espadia

It is essential to choose a variety suitable for your specific growing conditions and market preferences.

Categories of French Beans

  • Extra fine pods: Tender, turgid, seedless, with no strings, free from defects, with a maximum diameter of less than 6mm and a minimum length of 10cm.

  • Fine pods: Short, tender, with soft strings, small seeds, and turgid, with a width of 6-9 mm and a length of 12-14 cm.

  • Bobby beans: Reasonably tender, with seeds not too large, and do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes.

Seed Selection and Rate

Source certified seeds from reputable seed suppliers for a successful French bean farming venture. The required seed rate is 25-60kg/ha (10-24kg/acre) of certified seeds, depending on the variety.

Fertilizer and Manure Application

Apply 200kg/ha (80kg/acre) DAP along the rows before planting or as per the recommendations given in your soil test results. Avoid contact between fertilizer and seed by mixing the former thoroughly with the soil in the planting furrow.

Apply 100kg/acre Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) for top-dressing twice or as per the recommendations given in your soil test results. The first application should occur when two to three leaves appear, and the second at the beginning of flowering.

Pests and diseases in french beans

French beans are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:

Pests

  • Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from plants. They can weaken plants and spread diseases.

  • Bean beetles: Bean beetles are small, black beetles that eat the leaves and pods of beans.

  • Bean flies: Bean flies are small, black flies that lay their eggs in bean pods. The larvae that hatch from the eggs can damage the pods.

  • Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, winged insects that suck the sap from plants. They can weaken plants and spread diseases.

  • Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails are soft-bodied animals that eat the leaves and stems of plants.

  • Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged insects that suck the sap from plants. They can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

Diseases

  • Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes black, sunken spots on leaves, stems, and pods.

  • Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV): BCMV is a virus that causes yellow, mottled leaves and stunted growth.

  • Bean rust: Bean rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown spots on leaves.

  • Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes wilting and death of plants.

  • Halo blight: Halo blight is a bacterial disease that causes brown, water-soaked spots on leaves.

  • Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on leaves.

There are a number of things you can do to prevent pests and diseases from affecting your French bean plants, including:

  • Plant resistant varieties of beans.

  • Rotate crops with non-bean plants.

  • Remove weeds from the area around your bean plants.

  • Water your bean plants regularly.

  • Fertilize your bean plants regularly.

  • Inspect your bean plants regularly for pests and diseases.

  • Control pests and diseases as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your French bean plants healthy and productive.

Harvesting French Beans

Picking of pods begins six to eight weeks after planting, depending on the area and variety, and continues for about one to two months. Carefully pick the pods, with the stalk attached, and avoid pulling them from the plants.

Harvesting may be done twice a week for fine beans and three times a week for extra fine beans. This continues for around three weeks, with yields ranging from 9 to 15 tonnes/ha and six tonnes/acre in 55 – 75 days.

French Beans Market in Europe

The major buyer of French beans is the European Union. The export market in Kenya falls into two major seasons: The low demand season runs from June to September, characterized by abundant supply and low demand from the EU market.

The high demand season runs from September to March, during which the EU markets face winter and import French beans from Kenya.

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