I don't know about Hilda specifically, but those large white seeded Romano pole beans (Musica, Smeraldo, Kwintus, Northeaster, Helda) are very prolific early and dependable. Very good and different from "regular beans", definitely worth growing, if you like Roma.

We grow them every year. We do like a meaty, substantial bean. They stand up to canning very well. I ate some as part of my breakfast today under my personal guideline that, into every meal a little vegetable must fall. :)

In recent years I have really appreciated picking from bean vines as opposed to always squatting or bending to pick bush beans. Pole beans also produce over a longer period. But since bush beans come into production first, I think planting a few bush beans to tide you over until the pole beans come in is a good idea.

Thanks matthias. I think I might try a few. I have raised stock tanks that I grow most of my veggies in, except for winter squash, cukes, and pole beans, which I grow up trellises. I don't have to lean too far over to pick the bush beans, but I do like growing beans up a trellis more. So I think I'll take your suggestion, and grow some in the raised stock tank, while the pole ones are growing. Thanks so much!

I have grown Helda, Smeraldo and Algarve. They are fairly similar, but I prefer Algarve, which is vigorous, productive and tasty. They are a little earlier than the other two. I planted these January 23 and the first are ready today. I am going to save the bunch on the right for seed. They usually come in pairs.

Thanks Shuffles.........wow.....those grew fast! What zone are you in?

cath, by the map I am in 9B. By my experience I am almost in 9A - west Tampa, Fl.
The week I planted was colder than usual. Our weather is up and down. Alvgarve is rated at 52 days, which is similar to many bush beans. I think there are many pole green beans that are as early as bush beans. One good thing about Algarve is that they are a readily available. Not long ago that was the case with another great green bean, Dade. Not very available these days.

Thanks everyone. I've ordered some of the Hilda and the Algarve seeds and I'll see how they do.