UK compost
What compost for tongue of fire bean in the UK?
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Tongue of Fire'
More about tongue of fire bean in the UK
Which compost tongue of fire bean needs
For tongue of fire bean the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Moisture-retentive but well-drained soil with compost worked in. As a nitrogen-fixer it needs little extra nitrogen; over-feeding delays the pods you are growing it for.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows tongue of fire bean perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Tongue of Fire Bean does not want a rich, water-holding compost — it wants sharp drainage. Cut peat-free multipurpose roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite, and always pot into a container with drainage holes. A "cactus and succulent" bagged mix is a ready-made shortcut.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the tongue of fire bean soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Tongue of Fire Bean in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for tongue of fire bean in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Moisture-retentive but well-drained soil with compost worked in. As a nitrogen-fixer it needs little extra nitrogen; over-feeding delays the pods you are growing it for. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for tongue of fire bean?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for tongue of fire bean and will rot the roots. Cut it roughly 50:50 with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite so it drains fast.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow tongue of fire bean perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does tongue of fire bean need grit or perlite added?
Yes — tongue of fire bean must have sharp drainage. Add about one part horticultural grit or perlite to one part compost, and always use a pot with drainage holes.
What pot and drainage does tongue of fire bean need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Fertile, free-draining loam, pH 6.0-7.0. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More tongue of fire bean care
See the full tongue of fire bean care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.