Borlotto Di Vigevano Nano

Family: Fabaceae Legume

Experience the quiet drama of Borlotto Di Vigevano Nano—pods that mature to reveal beans with a painterly, rose-pink blush over a creamy ground, then deepen to a richly speckled look as they dry.

When rehydrated, the kernels offer a tender, creamy bite with a gentle, nutty depth that shines in classic dry-bean preparations and hearty potfuls. A compact, garden-friendly plant, it’s ideal for growers who want dependable yields and a distinctive, heirloom-worthy harvest for pantry staples.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Bush

Botanical illustration of Borlotto Di Vigevano Nano

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Bush
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These borlotto kernels rehydrate into a plush, creamy spoonful with a soft nuttiness—perfect for letting the pot do the work. The broth turns silky and binding, so build the flavor with olive oil, onion, and a salty hit like pancetta or Pecorino to keep every bite from going bland.

Best Uses

classic slow-simmered dry beans with aromatics
potfuls of borlotti-style bean stew (starchy broth that clings)
warm bean mash for crostini or filling into pasta shells
quick sauté after rehydration to set the skins and concentrate flavor

Flavor Profile

creamy, tender kernel bite gentle nutty depth subtle, savory sweetness

Kitchen Pairings

onion garlic rosemary olive oil aged cheese (like Pecorino Romano) smoked pork (or pancetta)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage aphids or bean rust on Borlotto Di Vigevano Nano beans?

Watch for clusters of tiny aphids on new growth and leaf undersides; spray them off with a strong jet of water, then repeat every 2–3 days for a week if needed. If you see rust-like orange/brown spots, remove heavily affected leaves early (don’t compost them) and keep foliage dry by watering at the soil line instead of overhead. Space plants well and keep the area free of weeds to improve airflow and slow reinfection.

How often should I water Borlotto Di Vigevano Nano during flowering and pod fill?

Water deeply about 2–3 times per week during flowering and the first half of pod fill, aiming for evenly moist soil (not soggy). Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, then soak until moisture reaches the root zone; consistent moisture helps prevent tough pods and blossom drop. In hot or windy weather, you may need more frequent watering (often every 2 days) to avoid stress during rapid pod development.

When are Borlotto Di Vigevano Nano beans ready to harvest?

Harvest for fresh shell beans at around 70–80 days when pods are fully filled but still tender—snap a pod; the seeds should be firm and the pod should not feel leathery. For dried beans, leave pods on the plant until the foliage is dry and the pods rattle; then dry further indoors in a cool, airy spot for 1–2 weeks before shelling. Don’t wait for pods to fully dry if you want the signature creamy texture and mild flavor of fresh shelled beans.