Stunning French bean variety which boasts attractive purple flowers before producing prolific crops of 6.5-8cm pods of excellent flavour. Planted in a container, ‘Nautica’ makes an eye-catching and productive addition to the patio garden.Sow seeds indoors individually in 7.5cm (3in) pots at 18-21°C (65-70°F) from February to May for transplanting outdoors after all risk of frost has passed. Alternatively sow direct outdoors May to July in warm soil, as germination can be erratic in cold, wet soils. Sow 2 or 3 seeds 4cm (1½in) deep, allowing 20cm (8in) between each group of seeds and 45cm (18in) between rows with no need to thin out. For early crops under glass, sow in heat from February onwards.Gradually acclimatise indoor grown plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting out after risk of frost, 20cm (8in) apart. Use cloches to aid establishment of earliest sowings. Hoe regularly and keep well watered and mulched during dry periods. Harvest regularly whilst young for highest yields and to extend the seasonSERVING SUGGESTION: Dark pods hold their colour when steamed. Delicious in a cheese or parsley sauce.