Bean (Runner) Seeds – Black Knight
The story is that this runner bean has been grown by the Bishop of Shrewsbury, Edmund Knight, and to have been passed to some of the local congregants in the late 1800’s. This could be true or an old wife’s tale, but where it originates from has been certainly been lost in time and history. The beans of ‘Black Knight’ may look a little more gnarly than most, but they are still tender and juicy even when the pods become older and the beans begin to show. For the best tasting results, steam lightly to keep their colour. Pods range from 20-30cm.
Growing Information
Sow in pots or trays on a windowsill or in a greenhouse using quality compost. Cover seeds with 3.8cm (1½”) compost. Germination 7-14 days. Grow on, planting outside protecting with cloches until frost risk has passed. Alternatively, sow direct into warm, moist soil prepared by digging and raking. Erect canes or netting to support plants, sowing one seed per cane or at 15-23cm (6-9″) intervals along the row, at a depth of 5cm (2″). Grows best in rich, well-prepared soil. Conserve moisture by mulching with manure, straw or grass clippings. Water well during dry summers.
Sowing Information
Sow in pots or trays on a windowsill or in a greenhouse using quality compost. Cover seeds with 3.8cm (1½”) compost. Germination 7-14 days. Grow on, planting outside protecting with cloches until frost risk has passed. Alternatively, sow direct into warm, moist soil prepared by digging and raking. Erect canes or netting to support plants, sowing one seed per cane or at 15-23cm (6-9″) intervals along the row, at a depth of 5cm (2″). Grows best in rich, well-prepared soil. Conserve moisture by mulching with manure, straw or grass clippings. Water well during dry summers.
