Broad bean Sutton Dwarf is an old English Heirloom variety also known as The Sutton. Broad Bean Sutton Dwarf is an old English variety, also known simply as The Sutton. It is considerably less frost-hardy than Aquadulce broad beans and should be protected from severe frost. Sutton Dwarf is a classic dwarf broad bean variety that is particularly well suited to small vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers. Thanks to its compact habit, the plants usually grow to 30 - 45 cm in height, although under favourable conditions they may reach about 55 cm. Because of its short stature, it requires much less support than taller broad bean varieties, making it easy to grow. Despite its compact size, it produces a surprisingly high yield. The pods generally contain four to five medium-sized, light green beans of excellent culinary quality. The beans are renowned for their mild, creamy flavour and tender texture. They are best harvested young, when they are particularly tender and usually do not require double podding (removing the outer skin).
In the kitchen, this variety is highly versatile. The beans are delicious boiled or steamed, and are also excellent in salads, as the base for a creamy purée or hummus, or blanched briefly and frozen for later use. Another advantage of 'The Sutton' is its flexibility in cultivation. It can be sown in both spring and autumn, allowing for an early harvest the following season in regions with mild winters. Owing to its reliable performance, high yields, and excellent quality, this variety has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Hardy annual. Height: 30 - 55 cm.
Indoor sowing: January - February
Outdoor sowing: end of February - end of March
Germination: 3 - 8 weeks (depends on temperature)
Germination temp.: 5 - 20 °C
Sowing depth: 5 - 7 cm
Planting distance: 15 - 20 cm
Planting distance between rows: 40 - 60 cm
Plant position: sunny and sheltered
Harvest period: May - July
Broad beans tolerate cold temperatures well and can therefore be sown early in the season. For an extra early harvest, the beans can be started indoors from January onwards. The seeds have a relatively long germination period because broad beans germinate slowly and require cooler temperatures for proper development. For an early harvest, sow broad beans indoors from January to February. Use separate pots filled with moist, airy potting soil. Sow one seed per pot and place the seed in the centre of the pot. Cover the seeds with a layer of approximately 5 - 7 cm of sowing compost, as broad beans are dark germinators and need darkness during germination. Do not place the pots in a warm location. Broad beans actually require a cool germination period to develop properly. The ideal germination temperature is between 5 and 20 °C. Depending on the temperature, germination usually takes 3 to 8 weeks. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid making it too wet. Once the young plants are strong enough and weather conditions allow, they can be planted outdoors from March onwards. Choose a sunny, sheltered location. Tall broad bean varieties may require support, so place stakes or other supports in good time. Young plants can be protected with netting to prevent damage from birds and other pests.
Direct sowing outdoors can be done from late February to late March. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with fertile, well-fertilised, well-drained soil. Broad beans perform best when sown early and benefit from the cooler conditions of spring. Do not sow later than the end of March, as the plants require cool temperatures for healthy growth and good pod formation. Sow the beans 5 - 7 cm deep. It is preferable to sow in double rows with approximately 23 cm between the rows. Leave 40 - 60 cm of space between each double row so the plants receive enough light, air circulation, and growing space. The final plant spacing should be approximately 15 - 20 cm. Keep the soil around the plants free from weeds so that the broad beans have sufficient nutrients and space to develop. As the plants grow larger, they may be affected by wind or the weight of the pods and can fall over. Support the plants if necessary with bamboo canes, string, or other suitable materials. This is especially important in exposed or windy locations. Once the first flowers appear and the plant has around four groups of flowers, or when the first small pods become visible, you can remove the growing tips of the plants. This prevents the plant from using unnecessary energy on leaf growth and encourages it to focus its energy on pod development. Removing the tops also helps reduce problems with aphids. During dry periods, it is important to water regularly, especially when the pods begin to develop. Even soil moisture ensures better yields and well-developed beans. However, avoid keeping the soil wet for long periods. Protect the plants with netting if necessary against birds and other pests, especially while the seeds are developing. The harvest period of White Windsor broad beans usually runs from May to July, depending on sowing time and weather conditions. The beans can be harvested once the pods are well filled and the seeds are clearly visible. A good guideline is to harvest when the pods are firm and full, but still fresh and green. For an especially tender flavour, young pods can be harvested early. It is also possible to eat the pods whole. Harvest them when they are approximately finger-thick and still young and tender. Broad beans are very suitable for freezing. Briefly blanch the shelled beans before freezing. This helps preserve their flavour, colour, and nutritional value, allowing you to enjoy your own harvest outside the growing season.
