In the tropics

While green beans can be sown in the dry season, from April to July, snake beans can be sown now in the tropics. A top choice is Red Dragon, which produces rounded, stringless pods up to 60cm long (although they are best at 10–20cm), and retains its crunchy texture when cooked. Also suited to summer growing in the subtropics, snake beans cope well with hot, humid conditions and are less susceptible to bean fly.