Climbing Bean Neckargold is an organically grown, highly valued yellow wax bean known for its high yield, excellent flavour, and exceptionally tender, stringless pods. This classic bean produces vigorous plants with strong growth and a well-developed root system. The long, deep-yellow pods reach approximately 23–25 cm in length, are fleshy and juicy, and have a delicious, mildly sweet flavour. Due to its intense flavour and distinctive colour, Neckargold is not only popular among vegetable gardeners but also among lovers of special and tasty vegetables. Neckargold is a climbing bean that requires support to grow optimally. Use sturdy bean poles, a trellis, or other suitable climbing support. The plants can reach a height of approximately 200–250 cm and grow best in a sunny, warm, and sheltered location. Thanks to its vigorous growth and long harvest period, this bean is highly suitable for the vegetable garden as well as greenhouse cultivation. With proper care, Neckargold can provide a generous harvest. Regular picking encourages the plant to continue producing new flowers and pods. It is recommended to harvest approximately once or twice a week. The harvest period usually runs from July to September, depending on weather conditions and growing circumstances.
Culinarily, the Neckargold climbing bean is highly appreciated for its combination of a fleshy texture, tender bite, and full bean flavour. The thick, round pods resemble runner beans in appearance but have the delicate flavour and tenderness of an excellent green bean. The pods remain firm and juicy for a long time and are therefore suitable for many different preparation methods. The young pods can simply be boiled with a little salt and served with butter or olive oil. Steaming is also an excellent way to preserve the flavour and texture. The beans are also delicious fried or stir-fried with ingredients such as garlic, onion, and herbs. Neckargold is excellent in casseroles, soups, and stews and can also be used in salads after brief blanching. The pods are also very suitable for preserving as pickled beans or for freezing after brief blanching for use during the winter months. Due to their firm and fleshy texture, Neckargold beans are particularly suitable for dishes where the beans are cooked for a longer period, such as traditional Dutch bean dishes and richly filled stews. The full flavour of Neckargold combines beautifully with many different ingredients. The beans pair well with meat dishes containing bacon, chicken, beef, minced meat, lamb, and various types of sausage. They also combine very well with robust fish such as salmon. Herbs and seasonings that complement this yellow wax bean include butter, nutmeg, garlic, thyme, rosemary, basil, parsley, savoury, black pepper, chilli, and lemon. A classic and delicious combination is Neckargold with bacon, nutmeg, and a knob of butter, which perfectly highlights the tender texture and full flavour of the beans. Neckargold also combines wonderfully with other vegetables. It pairs well with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, onions, leeks, mushrooms, courgettes, and sweetcorn. This makes this versatile bean suitable for both simple everyday meals and more elaborate dishes. Non hardy annual. Height: 200 - 250 cm.
Soaking: 24 hours
Indoor sowing: from April
Outdoor sowing: from May
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germination temp.: 18 - 22 ºC
Sowing depth.: 3 - 4 cm
Plant distance: 50 - 75 cm
Plant position: sunny and sheltered
Days till harvest: 55 - 70
For faster and more even germination, it is recommended to soak the seeds before sowing. Soak the seeds for approximately 24 hours before sowing in lukewarm water. This allows the seeds to absorb sufficient moisture, helping germination to start more quickly. For an early harvest, Blue Lake climbing beans can be started indoors from April, approximately 6 weeks before the last expected night frost. Sow the seeds individually in small pots, so the young plants can easily be transplanted later. Plant the seeds 3 - 4 cm deep in light, nutrient-rich potting soil and maintain a constant temperature of 18 - 22 °C during the germination period. Germination usually takes 7 - 14 days. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid making it too wet. Once the young plants have developed sufficiently and the risk of night frost has passed, they can be hardened off and planted outdoors.
Direct sowing in the open ground is possible from mid-May, once the risk of night frost has disappeared and the soil has warmed up sufficiently. Beans do not like cold soil; warm soil promotes better growth and healthier plant development. Choose a sunny, sheltered location where the plants receive plenty of warmth and are protected from strong winds. Sow the beans 3 - 4 cm deep and maintain a planting distance of approximately 50 - 75 cm. As this is a climbing bean, the plants require support. Therefore, provide poles, a trellis, or other climbing material in good time, allowing the plants to develop properly. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods and during flowering and pod formation. Keep the soil evenly moist, but make sure excess water can drain away properly. Soil that is too wet can cause root problems. Remove weeds regularly around the plants so that the beans have enough nutrients and space to grow. With proper care and regular monitoring, the plants can provide a generous harvest.
The first harvest usually takes place approximately 55 - 70 days after sowing. Harvest the pods when they are around 25 cm long and still young, firm, and tender. Carefully cut or pick the pods from the plant to avoid damage. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing new flowers and pods. This allows you to enjoy fresh, tasty climbing beans over a longer period.
