bean (broad) 'De Monica'

Does best in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, moist but well-drained soil, though most soils will produce an adequate crop. May be sown in Oct/Nov and protected overwinter with cloches, for an early harvest. Otherwise sow in February in pots in a cold greenhouse or in March/Apr outdoors. Plants may need support. See the RHS A-Z guide to vegetable cultivation for more detailed advice

Picking off the tips of the shoots can delay and reduce infestation by black bean aphid, and also improve the yield of beans

May be susceptible to pea and bean weevil and black bean aphid. Stored seed may be attacked by broad bean seed beetle

May be susceptible to broad bean rust and broad bean chocolate spot