This productive variety is a descendant of ‘Scarlet Emperor,’ a kitchen garden favorite for over a century. Runner Bean ‘Scarlet Empire’ produces longer, smoother, slender stringless pods while remaining as early, tasty, and productive as its forefather. The plants are vigorous and quick to emerge, which are important characteristics for early sowings. 3 m (10 ft) tall. 30cm spread (12″).
Sowing Information
Sow runner bean seed indoors from mid April for transplanting later on, or direct sow outdoors from late May to July.
Indoors, sow seed at a depth of 5cm (2″) in 7.5cm (3″) pots or trays of free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 18-20C (64-68F) until germination which takes 7-10 days. Once germinated, grow runner beans on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and runner bean plants are large enough to be transplanted. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 – 10 days before planting runner beans outdoors in rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun or semi shade with protection from strong winds. Avoid freshly manured soil which will promote lush foliage instead of beans.
Alternatively direct sow runner beans outdoors at a depth of 5cm (2″) and a distance of 30cm (12″) apart. Plant runner beans in rows that are 1.5m (5′) apart, or where space is limited, grow beans onto a wigwam structure. Runner beans require support from garden canes, strings or netting which should be put in place at the time of planting.
