Every now and then a new variety becomes an immediate and smashing success. This year it is ‘Crockett’ filet bean. We are testing it this year along with ‘Maxibel’ in gardens across the state. ‘Maxibel’ has been one of the highest rated green beans ever tested in our statewide trials. It was recommended by 90% of gardeners last year, a record for green beans.

‘Crockett’ is simply better. Of the 20 reports received to date, 75% of gardeners prefer ‘Crockett’ over ‘Maxibel’ and 95% of gardeners recommend it. The number of gardeners recommending ‘Maxibel’ has dropped from 90% to 50% after growing it alongside of ‘Crockett’.

The plants of ‘Crockett’ are vigorous. They produce impressive yields throughout the summer.

The biggest difference is the quality of the pods. Gardeners are in awe of the dark green, straight and smooth pods. Filet beans are prized for their slender, flavorful pods (see photo) and newcomer ‘Crockett’ is already turning heads.

Written by Tom Kalb, Extension Horticulturist, North Dakota State University. Published in the NDSU Yard & Garden Report, October 15, 2014. The photo was made available under a Creative Commons license specified by the photographer: gravity_grave.