UK sowing calendar
When to sow french beans in the UK
French beans sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Apr-May |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Late May-Jun |
| Harvest | Jul-Oct |
Frost-tender: don't sow or plant outdoors until late May-June, once all frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Starting indoors in Apr-May gives an earlier crop, especially for climbing types. Pick pods young while they snap cleanly.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for french beans.
Keep going
When to sow french beans in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow french beans in the UK?
Sow french beans under cover Apr-May, then outdoors late may-jun. Frost-tender: don't sow or plant outdoors until late May-June, once all frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Starting indoors in Apr-May gives an earlier crop, especially for climbing types. Pick pods young while they snap cleanly.
Can you sow french beans outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant french beans outdoors late may-jun. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is french beans ready to harvest in the UK?
French beans is typically harvested Jul-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow french beans?
It depends on the month and your region. French beans has a UK outdoor window of late may-jun; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.